Graduating seniors can be nominated by faculty members for a multitude of departmental awards. This year there were five recipients, two being given multiple awards. To learn more about the awards received please visit this link. We are very proud of these students and their role in the department. Congratulations on your hard work! The College Senior Award Ceremony will be held April 23rd at 3:30.
The J. W. Byrd Outstanding Senior Award: Aeron McConnell
Outstanding Senior Research Recognition: Aeron McConnell
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate I will be attending NC State University to pursue a doctorate in physics which is very exciting and equally scary.
Please share a brief statement about your time here at Appalachian.
In a word my time here at Appalachian has been fantastic. I have learned so much over my time here and I have met so many awesome people that I can't think of almost anything I would change. My biggest regret is that the pandemic has made it incredibly difficult to continue getting to know people in our department and being part of the vibrant community that I know exists here during any other year.
Outstanding Senior Leadership Recognition: F. Claire Brown
Outstanding Senior Research Recognition: F. Claire Brown
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with research concentrations in Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics, I’m currently fielding offers from several schools and haven’t made a decision about where yet!
Please share a brief statement about your time here at Appalachian.
My time at Appalachian has been amazing, I was really able to find what I was passionate about and pursue it here in the Physics and Astronomy Department.
Outstanding Physics Secondary Education Senior Recgonition: Joshua Gregory
What are your plans now that you have graduated?
I am currently hired as a science teacher at Avery High School. I have been working there now since December when I graduated and have been really enjoying working with these students. For the future, I hope to grow the physics programs here to provide avenues to upper level education and careers that some of these students may not get otherwise. I am starting with an Honors Physics class next semester, and I plan on using my summer to build demos and experiments that hopefully rival the physics stockroom!
Please share a brief statement about your time here at Appalachian.
My time at Appalachian was spent going between Garwood Hall and the Student Recreation Center doing what I love with the people I loved. Staying up until 4am working on physics probably shouldn't be something that I remember fondly, but the way the physics department supported me and how much I enjoyed my peers have made it something I will smile about forever. When not in Garwood, I spent my time at the app state climbing wall, either coaching or being a part of the ASU Climbing Team. Truthfully that was one of the first moments where I understood that my personality fits into teaching. I felt immediately comfortable showing people the things I loved doing and enjoyed every second of it. I will miss my time at Appalachian, the sleepless nights and the sore days, but the Physics Department has prepared me for a career of success and fulfillment that I am very much looking forward to.
Outstanding Senior Research Recognition: Sophia Woznichak
What are your plans after graduation?
Being transparent, I have not figured out what I want to do after graduation. I might be attending UMD at college park to get my PhD in Chemical Physics, but I have not decided yet. I might take a gap year instead.
Please share a brief statement about your time here at Appalachian.
I have had a wonderful time at Appalachian State, and being here has helped me pursue my passion for the physical sciences. I have learned to love this school for its dedicated staff and amazing educational environment.
Outstanding Senior Outreach Recognition: Trae Jenks
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate I hope to attend the engineering program here at Appalachian State and pursue a career in electronics.
Please share a brief statement about your time here at Appalachian.
My time at Appalachian State has certainly been challenging (it is physics were talking about), but it was definitely worth it. I was able to form new relationships, find new interests, and better myself.