Dr. Brian Kloppenborg, Post Doctorate Student at Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany
“My first night working at Sachtleben Observatory was a nightmare: I knew nothing of stellar physics, my recollection of Greek mythology was almost non-existent, I didn't know any constellations, and I surely couldn't be trusted pointing the telescopes anywhere. However, the more I learned the more interesting astronomy became. When I prepared to build my senior physics project at Hastings College, Dr. Jim Dugan asked, “Why don't you do something impossible, like build a radio telescope?” I did. These events cemented my path towards becoming a professional astronomer.”
Why major in Physics at Hastings College?
Many undergraduate Physics majors spend only their first two years in the lab. Not at Hastings College. Here, with some of the best-equipped labs in the region, you’ll graduate having experienced four years in lab-directed study. What better way to learn and discover than designing and building projects, analyzing problems, making them work and judging the outcome.
Hastings College Physics professors focus on applied physics and bring their professional experience with the defense industry and electrical engineering to the classroom and labs. They’ll present a broad range of possible career paths within physics, including engineering, research and teaching, helping you prepare for the road ahead.
How You’ll Grow
Summertime and J-Terms opportunities may include internships with Hastings-based businesses such as Energy Pioneer and Thermo King, or perhaps northern California-based Wellhead Electronics or Omaha, Neb.-based Kiewit. Many HC Physics students like you also complete Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) at Iowa State University, Kansas State University and the University of Chicago.
The culmination of your area of focus in applied physics eventually leads to a senior-level project. This is where you’ll shine. After designing and implementing an experiment, you’ll prepare to present it at the Nebraska Academy of Sciences Conference in April of your senior year. This a great resume- and career-building and networking opportunity.
HC’s pre-engineering program leads you to degrees in a variety of engineering areas, including, mechanical, electrical, civil, architectural and environmental engineering. A five-year, dual degree program gives you the chance to receive a degree in Physics from Hastings College and an engineering degree from a number of cooperative schools, including Washington University, Georgia Tech, Columbia University, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska.
Where HC Alumni Go
Recent Hastings College Physics majors continued on to graduate study at institutions such as Purdue University, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado. You’ll also find HC graduates excelling as engineers for energy and numerous other companies, astronomers, directors of laboratories, professors and project managers for manufacturing corporations.
If you’re a fan of E=mc2, you’ll love Physics at Hastings College. Apply today!
