Biography


For my entire life, I have lived in East Islip, New York, a typical suburban town on the south coast of Long Island, with little distinction besides a few very nice parks. I am currently finishing my junior year at East Islip High School. Since I was three, I have known that I want to be a scientist. I was a naturally curious child, and I revered scientists because they knew amazing things and made brilliant discoveries.

Although I knew I wanted to be a scientist, it took years for me to figure out which branch of science I prefer. The science taught throughout elementary and middle school was largely qualitative, and I was not greatly inspired to pursue it. As a result, I entered high school less sure of what I wanted to become. However, my ninth grade biology teacher quickly renewed my passion for science. She was the first teacher who truly encouraged me to be curious, whether by asking more in-depth questions in class or by learning on my own. She learned of my affinity for math, and encouraged me to look into physics. Heeding her advice, I borrowed what resources my public library had, and I began to read about the field. I then enrolled in AP Physics B for my sophomore year in high school.

The class sparked my love for physics, which finally allowed me to apply math to the real world in observable ways. I grew to appreciate that physics controls the entire universe on every scale, and that it may eventually describe how everything works. My physics teacher was very enthusiastic about all applications of physics, and he always had a wide range of interesting demonstrations. I am glad that I was able to take physics earlier than most of my peers because it taught me the importance of using measurable quantities to describe events.

In my spare time, I play the piano and cello. Although the piano has always been enjoyable to practice and play, I love to play the cello because of the experience it gives me. Playing cello, I get to work with an orchestra to make music and perform as a group. Music is how I express myself creatively, and through music, I have learned teamwork and dependence on others.

One day, I hope to get my doctorate in physics, and to perform research at an established laboratory on Long Island. I look forward to working with Dr. Noé in the Laser Teaching Center as my first true laboratory research opportunity. I hope to gain the experience I will need to continue performing research throughout college and as a career while expanding my knowledge of physics.