Student Voices

Isa Fritz, '10

Meet Isa 

"There are so many opportunities for us, much more than I could have imagined when I first started here."

Hometown: Kenosha, Wis.

Major: Physics

Minors: Mathematics and Spanish

From spending a month living with host families across the southern half of Spain, to flying high in the "Vomit Comet" with researchers from NASA, physics major Isa Fritz has had one adventure after another during her years at Carthage.

"There are so many opportunities for us, much more than I could have imagined when I first started here," she says.

The trip to Spain was a J-Term trip offered by the Modern Languages Department. Her trip to the Johnson Space Center, and aboard NASA’s Weightless Wonder, was part of Carthage’s Microgravity Program.

She also traveled to Tucson, Ariz., for a J-Term study tour on Observational Astrophysics; participated in Carthage’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience working one-on-one with a physics professor; and conducted research with Prof. Kevin Crosby through the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium this past summer.

"There are many opportunities for students to conduct research with the professors in the department," Isa says. But the most valuable opportunity, she adds, was flying high with NASA. Isa was a member of Carthage's Microgravity Team in 2008 and 2009, and hopes to participate again this year. The program is part of NASA's Systems Engineering Education Discovery program, or SEED.

After graduation, Isa plans to go on to graduate school and then would love to work for NASA full time. "Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to be an astronaut," she said. "Hopefully one day that could be a possibility."

She said she was drawn to Carthage's physics department after visiting campus and talking with professors. "Everyone in the department was so friendly and excited; it wasn't difficult to feel the same energy and enthusiasm for the program."

Favorite professor: "All the professors have amazing qualities and I feel like each of them has greatly impacted my life. ... Every professor in the department is always willing to help you, whether you're in their class or not. They make an effort to get to know you, and I think this is something that greatly separates Carthage from other schools where professors don't even know your name."

Favorite class: "In the physics department, my favorite class was, 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. The highlight for me was imaging my own choice object and operating the telescope on my own (with watchful guidance!)."

Toughest class: "My toughest class was probably Quantum Mechanics. I have to be able to imagine what I'm learning about, and I just couldn't wrap my head around a few of the ideas."

Favorite moments at Carthage: "My favorite moments are when I'm meeting new people. Even as a senior, you're constantly making new friends."

Favorite spot on campus: "Down by the beach — there is nothing better than relaxing and watching the soothing waves come into the shore."

Biggest surprises so far: "How most everything turns out better than I expect. I'm always surprised by making new friends and memories."

Advice for prospective students considering physics: "Definitely consider Carthage! Come visit us and get a first-hand look at the department and students. I'm sure you'll feel at home here. Also, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have about anything!"

Student Voices

Stephanie Finnvik, '12

"I have so many different interests, but going to Carthage, I knew that I would have the opportunity to try each before I decided what I really wanted to do."
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Kim Schultz, '12

One of the best moments at Carthage for Kim was participating in the NASA Systems Engineering Educational Discovery (SEED) program. She got to work on a team to design, build and conduct an experiment for NASA.
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Danielle Weiland, '14

"Don’t be afraid of physics. It’s tough, but the teachers are there to get you through until you graduate."
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KelliAnn Anderson, '14

"Carthage is providing me an environment where I realize I could go on and do even greater things, and giving me the confidence and determination I need to do so."
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Douglas Vodnik, '13

The summer after his freshman year, Douglas had the chance to participate in Carthage's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program.
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Read student voices from graduated students.

Microgravity Team

The Carthage Microgravity Program sends physics students aboard NASA's zero-gravity aircraft. Read more.