School: San Diego State University

REU Faculty Mentor: Joe Formaggio

Q: What are your physics/science interests?
A: My favorite area of physics is quantum mechanics. I like doing research in computational physics using Fortran. I also enjoy E&M, but it is getting really hard! I am also close to a second major in math, but we'll see...

Q: What are your other interests?
A: I love working on my car! Whether it is working on the body, stereo system, or performance, there's nothing like suping up your car! I also love going to rock concerts, especially Mudvayne ones. Mudvayne is the best! When I'm not working on my car/going to concerts in my free time, I love watching sports: mainly basketball and hockey right now.

Q: What would you like to do after college?
A: My goal after graduating from SDSU in May 2005 is to enter a Ph.D. program in physics. I would love to become a physics professor one day at a university, but perhaps after working in the industry for some time. If I do become a professor, I want to be a mentor in addition to being a researcher. And also, find some time to have some kids! I can't wait to be a mom and wife.

Q: Tell us one strange yet interesting fact about yourself?
A: I'm a physics major - isn't that strange enough? Just kidding. I don't know how to answer this question. I've been a vegetarian for eight years (i.e. since I was 12). I guess some people might find this 'strange.' Well, I love listening to DMX - a hardcore rapper. I listen to his cds almost every morning before school. It puts me in a relaxed mood. Oh yeah, I've lived in about a five-mile radius my whole life. We've lived in the same apartment for 12 years now - on the infamous El Cajon Blvd., a real ghetto area that everyone in east San Diego knows is full of drug dealers and hookers. But that's where I grew up and still live...