High School Activities:

Theater, Choir, Photography, Field Hockey

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Harvard University, Astronomy and Physics

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Harvard University, Ph.D. (candidate), Applied Physics

To Do My Job You Need:

Creativity, an understanding of physics and math, programming experience, writing skills, and communication skills

I co-founded the “Astronomical Medicine” project at Harvard and collaborate with both astronomers and doctors to help analyze and visualize their data. I work to use visualization and analysis techniques across scientific disciplines. Most recently, I have collaborated with computational physicists, computer scientists, radiologists, and cardiologists to visualize blood flow simulation data and compare that with real medical imaging data to diagnose and treat heart disease.

I am also a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellow, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, and was chosen by TED as a TEDGlobal 2009 Fellow.

My Advice: The most important advice I could give, based on my own scientific career, is to not be afraid to be creative or think “outside the box” and to follow your passions both inside and outside of science—don't be afraid to mix them up! For example, my passion for art helps me in scientific visualization and my passion for performance helps me in presenting my research to the public.

http://www.seas.harvard.edu/~borkin/

http://www.ted.com/talks/michelle_borkin_can_astronomers_...

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High School Activities:

Football, Tennis, Basketball, French Club, Volleyball, Backpacking, Camping, Guitar, Rugby

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Hanover College, Hanover, IN, Physics

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

University of Colorado, Boulder, Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering Sciences

To Do My Job You Need:

An understanding of physics and all areas of math, writing skills, programming experience, engineering experience

I am a research astrophysicist at the Solar Physics Laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. My research focuses primarily on measuring and modeling the solar X-ray and ultraviolet irradiance. I have worked on six sounding rocket payloads and the TIMED SEE and SDO EVE data analysis. The TIMED SEE project observed the Sun and Earth, recording the amount of electromagnetic radiation present on the Sun and how much of that reached Earth. I was also involved in the development of the GOES-R EXIS instruments (XRS and EUVS) and the detector for the SPICE instrument on Solar Orbiter, all of which aided in recording data about the Sun.

I am currently the deputy project scientist for the Solar Dynamics Observatory. I have participated in many education and public outreach opportunities and am a collaborator on the NASA Heliophysics Education and Public Outreach Forum. I not only study data from spacecraft such as the Solar Dynamics Observatory, but I also design and build experiments to fly on satellites and sounding rockets.

My Advice: I was never the smartest kid in my classes but I worked really hard, which was more important to getting where I am. Just work and study as hard as you can, and it will pay off with a really fun job!

http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/people/profile.cfm?Code=Chamb...

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High School Activities:

Cello, Theater

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Colorado, Boulder, Physics

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

University of Oslo, Norway, Ph.D., Theoretical Astrophysics

To Do My Job You Need:

Communication skills (public speaking), writing skills, understanding of math (including calculus), and management experience

Although I did my undergraduate work in physics, I knew fairly early on that I wanted to be an astrophysicist. I had always loved astronomy, even as a child. I started an internship at the High Altitude Observatory focusing on solar physics during my undergraduate years. That was where I fell in love with the Sun.

After obtaining a bachelor's degree, I got a job as an associate scientist at the same place I was an intern. I then went on to get my Ph.D. and went to Rice University as a research scientist. After working at Rice for a couple of years, I came to NASA as the associate director for science of the Heliophysics Science Division. In late 2011, I moved into my current position of solar physics lab chief in the same division.

My Advice: Don't be afraid to take risks, and try to find a great mentor. Take advantage of any opportunities, including those that involve talking to senior-level colleagues.

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High School Activities:

Rugby, Astronomy

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Glasgow, Scotland, Physics and Mathematics

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

University of Glasgow, Scotland, Ph.D., Physics

To Do My Job You Need:

Writing skills, programming experience, and an understanding of physics, mathematics, and statistics

I was born in Hamilton, Scotland. I remember being told at school that there were three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. But I had read somewhere that there was a fourth state of matter called plasma. So I was kind of curious as to why the teacher never told us about it. I found out more about plasmas at the school astronomy club and learned that the Sun is a big ball of plasma, as are most other stars. I studied more astronomy at university. After that, I worked at the University of St. Andrews and became fascinated by the Sun. I had the opportunity to work at Goddard Space Flight Center and I was very keen to go. (Bio from Sun|trek)

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High School Activities:

Model Building, PEZ Collection, Boy Scouts

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Maryland–College Park, Astronomy

To Do My Job You Need:

Programming experience, data analysis, patience

I fell in love with science when I started watching Bill Nye the Science Guy, and I fell in love with astronomy when I watched Carl Sagan's The Cosmos. So when I started my undergraduate career, I of course majored in... biology! I liked bio, but taking an introductory astro class made me remember my one true love. I've worked in the field ever since then.

When I was an undergraduate at UMD, I got a job in the magnetometer group at Goddard Space Flight Center. Getting this job was a big deal and it has opened up other opportunities to me. In this group, I assisted in building and testing the two magnetometers that are on the Juno spacecraft, which is now on its way to Jupiter. After Juno launched last year, I briefly worked as a junior parts engineer at Goddard, working on three other space flight projects. After this, I ended up at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (where I am now), studying the Sun and working on an awesome-sounding rocket program! Each experience has been new and exciting and I can't believe I get to do this stuff for a living.

My Advice: Work hard and keep at it. Spend as much time as necessary to learn new concepts.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/main/index.html

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High School Activities:

Pilot License, Science Fair, Science Olympiad, Mountaineering, Diving Team, Horseback Riding, Volunteer Work

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Cincinnati, Aerospace Engineering

To Do My Job You Need:

Programming experience, an understanding of physics, calculus, and mechanics; logic, writing skills, and a lot of curiosity.

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. Since I was about six years old, I have aspired to be an astronaut. Motivated by this goal, I began research in middle school while also taking flying lessons to get my pilot license. Through middle and high school, I participated in several science activities, such as Science Olympiad and science fairs, and continued to do research. My main interests have evolved from heliophysics to astrophysics to intelligent robotics. However, I really love anything having to do with space.

Aside from science, I am a distance runner, slight history buff, and love music, animals, and cooking. I have been riding horses since a young age and will go riding whenever the chance presents itself. I am also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, where I survived a month-long course in Alaskan mountaineering. I love adventure, and I am a strong believer that people achieve the most when they're happy, healthy, and having fun!

My Advice: Don't be afraid to ask questions, introduce yourself to people, knock on office doors, and be proactive. Getting into research early allows you time to figure out your interests and see what kind of work environment you prefer. Through knowing yourself in this way, you can put yourself in a position where school and work feel like play.

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High School Activities:

Student Government, Science Olympiad, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Track

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Alabama A&M University, Bachelor's Degree, Physics and Space Science

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Alabama A&M University, Ph.D., Physics

To Do My Job You Need:

Programming skills, writing skills (especially writing proposals and scientific papers), and verbal communication skills

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I came to the United States to attend college at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL. There are very limited higher education opportunities in Ethiopia in the sciences, especially for women. I always loved the sciences and math, so I decided to major in physics, with a focus in space science. At that time, Alabama A&M was one of the few HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) that had a space science concentration in its physics department.

During my undergraduate years, I was very active in our Society of Physics Students chapter; I served as president my senior year. I also participated in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates summer programs every year and attended the National Society of Black Physicists annual conferences.

I decided to stay at Alabama A&M in order to work with Dr. Amy Winebarger on my Ph.D. in physics. My dissertation on solar coronal loops won the best dissertation award by the HBCU graduate program council. I am now in the NASA postdoctoral program working with the solar physics group at Marshall Space Flight. After a 12-week maternity leave, I will begin my second year.

My Advice: The most cliché advice is to work hard, but it's definitely true. Always work hard and make a great impression. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you, such as conferences, internships, and summer programs. For college students in STEM, there are several Summer REU (research experience for undergraduate) programs that are excellent. Participating in these competitive programs is a great way to make contacts, which are crucial when applying to graduate school or jobs, and to determine what specific areas in the field are most suited for you. There are many summer programs for high school students as well.

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High School Activities:

Dance, Band (Flute)

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Reed College, Physics

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

University of New Hampshire, Ph.D., Physics

To Do My Job You Need:

Computer programming experience, thorough understanding of calculus, writing skills, public speaking skills.

I grew up in suburban Denver and took physics in high school. I never really pictured myself as a scientist during high school but the summer before I went to college, my dad's cousin suggested to me that I should try majoring in physics. He made the point that physics was a major that had a lot of class requirements and if I started out as a physics major, I could always switch to something else later if I didn't like it. So I majored in physics and totally loved it. From there, I got a master's in physics with a concentration in optics at Northeastern University, and eventually went on to get my Ph.D. in physics at the University of New Hampshire. Now I am a solar physicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. It is a fantastic job!

My Advice: My advice to students just starting their careers in science is to find something that you are passionate about and study that. Also, don't be afraid to fail. Sometimes the only way to find out what you are good at and what you are not is to try, so do not let the fear of failure keep you from trying anything.

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High School Activities:

Swimming, Volleyball, Music, Theatre

My professional background is in education and management. In high school, I was in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program with a focus in chemistry, while also taking higher-level IB classes in history and English. After graduating high school, I studied abroad at a college preparatory school in the Czech Republic for one year on a Rotary Exchange scholarship. In college, I was a biochemistry and Russian studies major because I also enjoyed Russian literature and language.

Prior to my work at NASA, I worked in the Republic of Georgia as a community development and education specialist in the United States Peace Corps. In this position, I worked closely with both my Georgian counterparts and local nongovernment and business organizations to design and implement a variety of projects including camps for kids, language lessons for adults, community environmental projects, educational improvement projects, and the development of an education and medical therapy center.

I'm now working toward my master's of science in project management. With this background, I'll have skills in communication, writing, project planning, and evaluation as well as experience in science-based analysis and research.

My Advice: It is possible to do real science very early in your high school or college career. NASA accepts both high school and undergraduate interns, but there are also always professors looking for students to help out in their research. Also, science is a field that takes hard work and perseverance; don't ever let someone tell you that you aren't smart enough to be a scientist. If science is something that you enjoy and are willing to work hard at, you will find your place in the field.

http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/

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High School Activities:

Was interested in nature and the environment and how technologies work

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Anthropology and Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.S., Technology and Policy

To Do My Job You Need:

Experience with energy modeling, computer graphics, and the ability to understand and communicate complex problems

I direct the Analysis Group for Regional Energy Alternatives (AGREA) at the MIT Energy Initiative. AGREA does research that identifies cost-effective and environmentally responsible local and regional energy solutions. Projects in the United States, Europe, Mexico, China, and elsewhere have focused on the cost and emissions benefits of renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage, and sustainable mobility. In addition to my research at MIT, I also assist many groups, including the New England Clean Energy Council, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and AltWheels. I am a board member of the U.S. Offshore Wind Collaborative and a reviewer for numerous scientific journals, including Wind Engineering. I was also a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin, West Africa, working on the design and testing of wood-conserving cook stoves.

My Advice: When deciding what to study, keep in mind that the most interesting and challenging topics are both quantitative and qualitative. Also, be aware that many interesting multidisciplinary problems, like the environment and clean energy, require you to have multiple and varied skills.

http://www.web.mit.edu/mitei

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High School Activities:

Orchestra, Badminton, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Community Service, Chinese Ethnic Dance, Ballroom Dance, French Club

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of California, Berkeley, Environmental Sciences and French double major with a minor in Energy and Resources

To Do My Job You Need:

Science communication experience, writing skills, math skills, and project management experience

I started exploring energy sciences through a research position at the Center for Nanotechnology in Society, where I looked at renewable energy funding. Then I joined the Bay-Area Environmentally Aware Consulting Network (BEACN), where I helped local organizations solve environmental problems. These experiences led me to a summer internship with the Environmental Protection Agency, where I helped clean up hazardous waste sites in the San Francisco Bay area. More recently, I worked at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where I processed soil samples for a 10-year study of carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. This past summer, I did an eight-week internship in the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, India, through the Cal Energy Corps Program. I wrote a Matlab program that calculates the carbon footprint of microgrid installations.

In addition to doing a bunch of research, I’ve also been learning how to teach science. I’ve taught as an organic chemistry teaching assistant at UC Berkeley and as an MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) instructor for Kaplan Test Prep.

I am currently working through an 11-month AmeriCorps program at a local government agency as a “sustainable transportation associate.” My tasks vary every day. Some days, I make maps using ArcGIS. Some days, I plan outreach events or analyze surveys. And other days, I test drive different models of electric vehicles.

In the future, I hope to become an instructor and communicator in energy sciences—part college professor, part Bill Nye the Science Guy.

My Advice: Don't be afraid to ask simple questions. Often, the most basic principles are the hardest to explain, let alone understand. Challenge your teachers by asking them these types of questions!

Also, know your basics. Be patient and take the time to learn all the fundamental stuff backwards, forwards, and sideways. It will pay off. You will be surprised at how many mysterious phenomena can be explained by simple elemental properties.

https://www.acgov.org/gsa/

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Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, B.S., Engineering Physics

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

University of Colorado Boulder, M.S., Electrical Engineering

To Do My Job You Need:

Computer programming experience, circuit design, good writing skills, and artistic talent to simplify and clarify drawings

I work with a team of engineers to design and modify vehicle-to-grid-capable vehicles to support renewable energy on the power grid. I have worked with grid operators and facility owners across the United States and Pacific to quantify the monetary value of plug-in vehicles beyond reducing petroleum use. I currently work with a consortium of U.S. manufacturers on implementing the North American direct current charging standard, which will allow most plug-in vehicles to charge in under 30 minutes. This work will also enable microgrids to utilize plug-in vehicles as energy storage devices in resource-constrained situations, such as in emergencies or on small islands. In my free time, I resurrect and convert old vehicles to electric, teach yoga, and participate in SAE's student competitions.

My Advice: Don’t sell out for money, and don’t sell yourself short! Do what you love, even if doesn't pay as much—you'll be way happier! If you're still in high school and looking at colleges, know that most accredited undergrad science and engineering programs are very similar, so go to school where you can get scholarships and afford it!

http://www.ct.com/entertainment/green-wheels/nm-ht18wheel...

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9215661/Car_tech_E...

http://www.nrel.gov/

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High School Activities:

Theater, Choir, Swimming, National Ocean Science Bowl

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Clarkson University, Mathematics and Physics, Chemistry Minor

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Harvard University, Ph.D., Systems Biology

To Do My Job You Need:

Understanding of calculus, differential equations, and physics, computer programming, writing, and public speaking

I grew up in McAllen, TX, which is very close to the boarder with Mexico. I became interested in science because I enjoyed puzzles and problem solving. I hated math in elementary school when it was all about definitions, but loved it as soon as it became about understanding patterns and solving puzzles. Now I find science exciting because research is how we discover new knowledge about our world. The idea of figuring out something new, or understanding something that has never been understood before, is very powerful and meaningful to me.

In high school I took as many math and science classes as I could, and in college I studied math, physics, and chemistry. Starting in high school and throughout college, I found ways to get involved with research. The experience of being involved in research and actually “doing” research early on really helped me when I applied for graduate school.

Now at Harvard, I use mathematics to describe how bacteria transform sunlight and carbon dioxide into chemical energy that we can use for fuel. The mathematical models or descriptions help us better understand what the bacteria are doing and how we can actually use them. I use the computer to model the problems and also to solve them analytically. (This means figuring out how to write an equation like y = a*x +b which describes the behavior of some system and solves a problem.) I am also interested in figuring out how plants turn sunlight into chemical energy and how to build better solar cells using new materials.

My Advice Reading about ideas outside of my field of study often gives me new ways of thinking about my work. You should learn about things you are excited about from all areas of science, math, and even world news!

http://sysbiophd.harvard.edu/

https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/sitnflash_wp/2011/08/issue99/

http://theenergycollective.com/niallmm/55716/jeffrey-sach...

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High School Activities:

Theater, Student Government

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Boston University, Earth Sciences

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.S., Geological Sciences

To Do My Job You Need:

A thorough knowledge of petroleum geology, oil and gas production operations, and excellent communication skills

After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I took a three-month internship with Anadarko Petroleum, working on a project involving shale gas. Upon completing my internship, I accepted a full-time position and worked for Anadarko Petroleum for six years as a petroleum geologist on projects including tight gas sands and CO2-enhanced oil recovery. I left Anadarko in the fall of 2010 to take a position as a science fellow at the Natural Resources Defense Council, working as a technical advisor on issues related to oil and natural gas extraction and geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. At the completion of my fellowship, I accepted a full-time staff scientist position with NRDC, continuing my work to identify and advocate for solutions to reduce the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction.

My Advice: Do what you love. It may be a cliché, but it’s true! And don’t be afraid to try something new. You could fall in love with a subject you’ve never studied before. When I went to college, I thought I wanted to be an astrophysicist—until I took my first geology class.

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/bmordick/

http://www.nrdc.org/

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High School Activities:

Cross Country Running, Track and Field, Student Government, Painting, and Ceramics

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Massachusetts Amherst, B.S., Chemical Engineering

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.S., Technology and Policy

To Do My Job You Need:

Analytical skills, data analysis experience, and the ability to work as part of a team

I studied chemical engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. During my summer, I worked on various alternative and renewable fuel technologies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and at MIT. After graduation, I moved to Seattle and worked for Microsoft to make Windows 7 software more energy efficient. In 2009, I moved to Boston to work on my graduate degree at MIT, where I research renewable jet fuels. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, and puzzles.

My Advice: Don't be afraid to try new things, and make sure to take advantage of opportunities that present themselves.

http://www.lae.mit.edu/

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High School Activities:

Volleyball, Rowing, Tennis

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet, Freiburg, Germany, M.Sc., Physics

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Technical University of Karlsruhe, Doctorate, Architecture

To Do My Job You Need:

An understanding of mathematics and physics, programming experience, the ability to script a graphical user interface

I initially studied semiconductor physics and solar cells, since I wanted to help society make more use of renewable energy sources. After completing my M.Sc., I realized that decisions to implement environmental technologies in buildings are part of a much wider debate that includes multiple aspects, from design aesthetics and economics, to user acceptability of various technologies. This realization initially triggered my interest in architecture and design. I spent the first decade of my professional life working in government labs in Germany and Canada conducting basic building science research. I then became more interested in teaching and further disseminating the results of my work, which got me to teaching, initially at McGill and Harvard, and now at MIT. Today, I greatly enjoy teaching building science to architects and developing design workflows and methods that help designers and urban planners develop more energy-efficient buildings and neighborhoods.

My Advice: I can only echo what others have probably told you already: pick a field that you genuinely enjoy because you are good at it, the topic interests you, and because your work has a positive impact on the planet and/or the life of others. Many careers in science remain engaging for a lifetime since the problems keep evolving as you and others solve them.

http://www.mit.edu/

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High School Activities:

Worked at a horse stable and ran cross-country for one year

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Alaska Fairbanks, B.S., Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

University of Colorado Boulder, M.S. and Ph.D., Electrical Engineering

To Do My Job You Need:

Troubleshooting skills, analysis and design experience of power electronic circuits, and an understanding of linear systems

It took me 10 years and three different institutions to complete my bachelor’s degree. During this time, I spent eight seasons working for the Forest Service as a wilderness guard/ranger in Oregon and Idaho; another season working for the Park Service as a park ranger in Alaska; and one year working for a sled dog musher as a dog handler in Alaska. In between, I attended the University of Oregon, the University of Idaho, and finally graduated from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Following graduation, I worked for eight years at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where I was involved in the design and deployment of hybrid wind-diesel power systems for remote village power applications. I left NREL to attend graduate school in electrical engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder, with a focus on power electronics and, specifically, system identification and auto-tuning of digitally controlled switched mode power supplies. After receiving my Ph.D., I returned to work at NREL, this time in the Distributed Systems Integration Group, to continue work not only on stand-alone hybrid power systems incorporating renewable energy, but also integration of distributed energy resources onto the national grid.

My Advice: Take the time to explore ideas you find exciting, even if you feel like you're not an expert in the area.

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Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

Brigham Young University, Electrical Engineering and Philosophy

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ph.D., Nuclear Engineering; Master's Degree, Technology and Policy

To Do My Job You Need:

Mathematics, circuit design, physics, economics, familiarity with Mathematica and Matlab, and programming experience

As an undergraduate majoring in electrical engineering and philosophy, I spent summers working with the High-Energy-Density Physics Division at Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, NM, on multiple projects in support of inertial confinement fusion. With an interest in energy and looking to develop a broader understanding of the socioeconomic and environmental considerations related to energy systems, I enrolled as a master's student in the MIT Technology and Policy Program, working with the Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change.

With the Joint Program, I explored the potential that air pollution and carbon policies have for reducing air pollution and carbon emissions under a variety of policy and cost scenarios, and how policy affects the electricity generation mix. Also passionate about the possibility of high-risk/high-reward technologies, my Ph.D. work with the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center aims to create the high-temperature, high-density environments needed to reproduce thermonuclear fusion in a laboratory. Our hope is to bring the power of the Sun to Earth. My long-term career goals include contributing to the realization of a sustainable energy future that is informed by the best available science, economics, policy, and business strategies.

My Advice: Never stop learning and never shy away from a challenge. Working through challenges is the price one pays for rewarding experiences.

http://spectrum.mit.edu/articles/normal/the-power-generat...

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/caleb-waugh/12/b10/124

https://lasers.llnl.gov/

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High School Activities:

Piano, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Basketball

Undergraduate Institution + Degree:

University of Tehran, Iran,

Graduate Institution + Degree: 

Washington University in St. Louis, Master's and Ph.D., Physics

To Do My Job You Need:

A thorough understanding of math and physics, computer programming skills, and excellent writing and public speaking skills

I moved to the United States in 2005 and started my graduate program in physics at Washington University in St. Louis. I was born in Tehran, Iran, where I completed my high school and undergraduate education. Throughout my childhood, I was fascinated by the sky, outer space, the complexity of living beings, and life on Earth. I loved to learn about what others considered impossible. All of this got me interested in studying space sciences and specifically physics—basically the laws of nature.

In college, my friends and I would go to the outskirts of the city where there was no light pollution to watch the meteor showers and the Milky Way. After college, I continued my physics studies in Master's and Ph.D. programs, where I did some research in both astrophysics and biophysics. For me, physics was a window through which I could better understand the world. I am glad that I chose to become a physicist! Now, I am working on studying the impact of wind turbines on radar technology, and looking forward to the future and learning more about the world around us.

My Advice: First, pick a topic that you enjoy and start reading some articles about it. Second, take advantage of your local science museum! They usually have very cool demos and scientist staff to explain them. Finally, there are a lot of great scientific podcasts out there these days that you can download and listen to when you have some time (like on a long car ride, or during the weekends, etc.) A couple podcasts that I enjoy and recommend are Science Friday and Radiolab (links below).

http://www.ll.mit.edu/

http://sciencefriday.com/

http://www.radiolab.org/

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