Our mentor and student fellows

I am Ioana (pronounced Yoana), a senior from the Republic of Moldova, located in Eastern Europe. If you look at a map, it resembles a cluster of grapes on a stem. I am majoring in Physics and Mathematics. When I first arrived at Saint Olaf, I never envisioned myself studying physics. However, the flexibility at Olaf allowed me to discover my passion for physics and become an integral part of the physics department. I participated in the Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (CURI) project with Professor Jay Demas during the summer of 2022, focusing on magnetoreception. In the spring of 2023, I embarked on another CURI project with Professor Norman Lee, exploring the 3-coupled spring system. I studied a mathematical model to approximate the oscillatory motion of the tympanic membrane in the Ormia fly. These experiences enhanced my confidence, encouraging me to delve into quantum computing research at the University of Rochester, New York, under Dr. John Nichol’s guidance. There, I contributed to integrating software and hardware for the Atomic Layer Deposition system, a vital device in quantum device fabrication. I am currently engaged in an independent project with Houssam Ennoura, supported by the Steen Fellowship program. Our project involves constructing a radio telescope aimed at measuring the 21cm hydrogen line, which will help us determine the rotational velocity of our galaxy. I am deeply appreciative of the resources and the supportive environment provided by the St. Olaf department, which have been crucial to our Steen independent project. As an international woman and a first-generation student in physics, forging my path has occasionally been a challenging endeavor. This is the very reason TEAM-UP exists. Our goal is to support students like myself in finding their direction and flourishing in various aspects. My enthusiasm for TEAM-UP stems from a desire to assist students with the obstacles frequently face. Working with TEAM-UP is a privilege and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

I’m Jordan and I am currently a Junior Physics and Math major from Jamaica. From when I was a teenager, I was fascinated with discovering new things and finding ways to cut through ambiguity to lead ourselves to the truth. I found the study of Physics to be the best way to answer life’s most interesting questions. St. Olaf has provided many opportunities for me to explore my interests and other possible avenues for the future. One of my greatest memories here was working two summers with Prof. Brian Borovsky on a Microscale Study of Diamond-like Carbon. This was part of a St.Olaf Initiative known as  “Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry” (CURI) where I was able to dip my toes into the research world and even got the opportunity to attend the Gordon Research Conference to learn from experts in the field.  This experience unveiled a field of Physics (Tribology) to which I didn’t know about before but I was pleased by how intricate and far reaching this field was. Without a doubt this experience has given me more insight into what I would both like to do and not like to do in the future. Overall, I can say that the Physics department has demonstrated a commitment to making Physics education more accessible to all and has a strong drive to create a community in our little major. I have been working with TEAM-UP since my first year here and I am both elated to see the progress we have made since then and excited for what the future has in store for us.

Greetings! I’m Joseph, a class of 2025 student with Physics and Music BA double majors. I am an international student from Beijing, China, and I feel grateful to be in St. Olaf where I can delve into the sciences and engage in the liberal arts and piano performance learning at the same time. Currently, I am enjoying the DUR program with professor Anne Gothmann on coral skeletal organic matter study. Outside of academics, I enjoy downhill and freestyle skiing, and I am a fan of Formula 1 racing. My motivation for being a TEAM-UP associate comes from the physics community itself. In the previous years, I could feel the sense of belonging in the community. The events I attended made me feel like a member of the community, and the events also shortened the distance between professors and us. Therefore, I would like to participate in TEAM-UP and contribute to make the community more inclusive and welcoming.