Hello! I am Spencer, a physics major and jazz drummer and composer. When I am not studying, working on icy moon research, or playing​/​writing music, I can be found designing board games and buying too many plants.

Hometown

Washington DC area

Major(s)

Physics: Comprehensive Track

Minor(s)

Not officially a music minor but heavily involved in ensembles

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Jazz ensembles, archery, society of physics students, undergraduate research

Describe your college experience

My experience has been largely studious but not without fun... I've gotten to explore so many interests by taking fascinating classes or joining clubs like archery, meet so many incredible people, and go on adventures around the area to places like Rainier or Vancouver BC!

Tip for future students

You won't make all your friends in one place and that's okay... Most people only stay close with a one or two people from their dorm floor, and one or two people from their intro physics study group, and another few from an extracurricular. But if you take the initiative to bring all those people together, you will end up with a really amazing group of people to spend time with. Also as a bonus tip take the 100 level ESS classes they are incredible and super helpful for knocking out general education requirements.

Favorite class

PHYS 226: Particles and Symmetries. This class taught me so much about the elementary particles and reactions that are relevant to so much of modern physics, and the symmetries gave me an entirely new approach not just to physics problems but problem solving in general.

Career goals

After graduating I intend to pursue a physics PhD and eventually become a researcher and professor.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Mint tea and either a board game with friends or reading. Sometimes cooking a longer recipe that I don't have time for on normal nights

High school or secondary school

Chantilly High School, Virginia