Fun Facts

I am an amateur gardener! I mostly grow herbs, but I'm excited to try for tomatoes next year.
I'm the oldest of 4 kids in my family, I speak German, and I worked on finding hemoglobin in fossilized dinosaur bones.

About Me

I am an experimentalist with a PhD in Physics from NC State University. I've been privileged to be able to both work with technical subjects from a theoretical standpoint, and seen their applications in the real world in creating experiments. I hope to continue my research at a national lab in the near future. My ultimate goal is improving the quality of life for all people by expanding the way research is done.

Experience

As a long time TA, and a lecturer, I've had a lot of experience in helping students come to an understanding of physics and math concepts. I've been able to help a lot of students both improve their understanding, and help them overcome difficulties and find their place in the wider world of physics and mathematics--even when that lead them to other subjects or careers! I consider myself lucky to be able to be a part of how students grow in their understanding of these subjects.

Approach

Before I found how subjects made the most sense to me, I had difficulties with teachers explaining subjects and concepts in only one way, and then asking me to perform these concepts for a grade. This was frustrating to me--I wanted to know why and have time to practice without that pressure! My approach has been to explain things in multiple different ways, until we find an explanation that makes sense, and allow them to practice without judgement. Even things that seem impossible get easier!