Home Institution: Luther College
Research Project: Photocurrent in twodimensional heterostructures
UW Mentor(s): David Cobden

Q: What are your physics/science interests?
I am interested in all things science but especially food science, materials physics, nanophysics, and alternative energy. I hope to be able to work on solar technology some day.

Q: What are your other interests?
I am interested in health, wellness, and exercise, swimming, the outdoors, fishing, reading, cooking, playing some video games, and watching sports, especially NBA and NFL.

Q: What would you like to do after college?
After college, I plan on attending a graduate program in sustainable/renewable energy in either materials science, applied physics, or engineering, depending on what field and area I want to pursue. I would like to get a Master's and hopefully enter the industry or federal R&D.

Q: Tell us one strange but interesting fact about yourself.
I have extremely flexible joints in my arms and can hyperextend my elbows and dislocate my shoulders at will, though I don't prefer to do so, as it makes them become more prone to doing so automatically!

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics?
Unofficially, perhaps the solar-powered, crystal rainbow-caster I received as a child. I was fascinated by how much the sun could do to both power a device and create a colorful collage through a crystal. Perhaps more officially, my high school physics teacher had such a passion and way of teaching that I was hooked on physics.

Q: If you could have any pet what would it be?
If I could have any pet, it would most likely be a barn owl. I am incredibly fond of owls and their gracefulness coupled with their sheer strength. In addition, the owl is a prominent pet in Harry Potter, one of my all time favorites.

Q: If you had a free month and unlimited funds, how would you spend your time?
Hmmm...I think I'd try and visit as many unique places in the world as I could and explore new sights, sounds, foods, and experiences. In particular, I'd visit Germany, parts of the Amazon, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Thailand, Ethiopia and Kenya, the Copper Canyons in Mexico, and Argentina. I don't think I could stay in one place too long!

Q: If you could get a grant to study anything what would it be?
I'd really like to study nuclear fusion or solar energy conversion. I think it is a fascinating field. To be able to harness energy from the sun either by replicating its internal processes or by converting its energy would be an amazing area to study!