Student Voices

Emily Schiavone, '10

Majors: Math and Physics
Hometown: Mount Prospect, lll.

The summer after Emily Schiavone's freshman year, she stayed on campus to conduct research with mathematics professor Erlan Wheeler — research she later presented at Washington University in St. Louis. Later, she traveled to Kitt Peak to observe on a 0.9m telescope with physics professor Douglas Arion.

Those research experiences and others led to Emily's participation in an REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) this past summer at MIT.

"In the first week of the program, I watched presentations from various lab groups that I could choose to work with," Emily said. "I joined Professor Yoel Fink's lab, where I worked under the guidance of Sasha Stolyarov on hollow core photonic bandgap fibers that were used for diffuse light transport and remote chemical sensing.

"In my particular project, I fully characterized large-core visible transmission fibers in order to determine which materials and geometries are optimal for the production of optical devices that can propagate light from a non-collimated broadband light source."

For Emily — a student who was good at physics in high school but hesitant to pursue the field in college — "Carthage's Physics Department is more than I had hoped for," she said. "It has given me numerous opportunities to participate in research activities that I would not have had at another school."

Favorite professor: "I'm in love with all of them. ... They are all extremely intelligent people who are willing to help you do whatever you would like in physics."

Favorite class: "Analytical Mechanics. It was my first upper-level physics class, so it holds much sentimental value."

Toughest class: "So far, Quantum Mechanics. Although I have discovered it is as useful as it is difficult, so I would still recommend it."

Opportunities at Carthage: In addition to conducting research at Kitt Peak, participating in Carthage's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, and acceptance in an REU, Emily attended a Women in Physics Conference at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. In the year ahead, she hopes to join the Carthage Microgravity Team.

Favorite moments at Carthage: "I enjoyed traveling with Carthage's water polo team to nationals in 2008."

Favorite spot on campus: "The B-2 physics lounge."

Advice for other students considering a major in physics: "Talk to a few of the physics professors at Carthage. They are approachable and very helpful."

Student Voices

Isa Fritz, '10

"Favorite class? Hands down, Observational Astrophysics. I learned so much during that course — from all about how telescopes work, to how to operate a professional 61" Kuiper telescope, to how to compile images. Read more ...

Emily Schiavone, '10

"Favorite spot on campus? The B-2 Physics Lab." Read more ...

Justin Sebens, '11

"Favorite professor? Professor Arion, because he is like a big kid. He loves to show off his toys and he will do just about anything for you to help enhance your physics and Carthage experience." Read more ...

Cecilia Grove, '11

"Physics is not for people who want an easy ticket; it is hard. But perservere." Read more ...

Weightless Wonder

Physics students fly high in NASA Microgravity Program.

Research Opportunities

Carthage students have access to some of the world's largest observatories. Read more.