Home Institution: Linfield College
Research Project: Quantum defects in diamond
UW Mentor(s): Kai-Mei Fu

Q: What are your physics/science interests?
I have a passion for experimental research, and I previously have two years of experience researching material properties of crystals used as emission sources for electron microscopy. I also love working with my hands, whether it is turning material in the shop or working with crystals with tips less than 100 nm in diameter. I am also personally interested in non-Euclidean geometry, chaos theory, complex analysis, and the overall beauty of mathematics.

Q: What are your other interests?
I throw javelin as part of the track & field team for my school, and I also love to paint. Currently, my main hobby is studying for the GRE.

Q: What would you like to do after college?
My dream after college is to pursue a PhD in physics.

Q: Tell us one strange but interesting fact about yourself.
My bucket list includes playing a theremin, owning a label-maker, and being successful enough to own a pantsuit.

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics?
I can't think of a worthier fight than the journey of understanding the universe and pushing the limits of human knowledge. My background in mathematics made me fall in love with problem solving, and physics opened up an infinite set of new questions that may not be answerable. But there's nothing more exciting than trying!

Q: If you had a free month and unlimited funds, how would you spend your time?
I would follow around the production crew for Planet Earth, and become best friends with David Attenborough. Being a science consultant for Marvel movies would also be amazing.

Q: If you could get a grant to study anything what would it be?
I would love to learn more about quantum mechanics and the long-term potential of quantum computing. It is so fascinating to think about improving current technology with a relatively new field that has so many questions yet to be answered. It is also exciting to think about the potential for interdisciplinary applications, and how different the technology we use today could be in fifty years.