Why I majored in physics instead of astronomy
TLDRThe speaker shares their passion for astronomy, which initially inspired them with its grand questions about our place in the universe. Despite their enthusiasm for space and its unifying potential for humanity, they transitioned from an astronomy major to physics and maths due to their enjoyment of hands-on lab work and the broader applicability of these fields. They found modern astronomical research to be more akin to data analysis and computer science, dealing with vast datasets, which, while fascinating, lacked the direct observational magic they craved. The speaker emphasizes the value of a broad educational foundation, suggesting that studying physics and maths provides a versatile skill set that can be applied to various fields, including astronomy. They also highlight the importance of following one's interests and being open to change, advocating for diverse research experiences to truly understand one's preferences. Currently, they apply physics to biological research, demonstrating the adaptability of their chosen fields.
Takeaways
- 🌌 The speaker's initial interest in astronomy was sparked by its exploration of big questions about our place in the universe and the interconnectedness of everything.
- 🚀 The speaker identifies as a 'space nerd' and remains engaged with astronomy through outreach and public lectures, believing that the pursuit of spaceflight and understanding can unite humanity.
- 🌟 Astronomy serves as an excellent platform for outreach, especially for engaging non-scientists and sparking interest in science through the appeal of space-related topics.
- 📚 The speaker switched from an astronomy major to a broader physics and math major, influenced by their research experience in astronomy, which involved significant computer science, data analysis, and image analysis.
- 🖥 Modern astronomy research often involves working with large datasets, which requires extensive data processing and analysis, making it more office-based and less about direct observation of celestial objects.
- 🧑🔬 The speaker discovered a preference for hands-on lab work in experimental physics over purely theoretical or computational work, which was a surprise to them.
- 🔍 A physics and math major provides a strong foundational knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of fields, making it versatile for future research or employment.
- 📈 The speaker suggests starting with broad courses in undergraduate studies and then specializing later, which allows for a deeper understanding and skill set in a chosen field.
- 🧠 Engaging in research projects or internships across different areas during studies can help individuals discover their true interests and passions.
- 🌱 The speaker is currently applying physics to a biological context, demonstrating the ability to branch out into new areas with a solid foundation in physical sciences.
- 💡 The importance of following one's interests and being open to change is emphasized, as it can lead to unexpected and enjoyable paths in one's academic or professional journey.
Q & A
What initially inspired the speaker's interest in astronomy?
-The speaker was initially inspired by the big questions that astronomy addresses, such as our place in the universe and how everything fits together.
How does the speaker describe their current engagement with astronomy?
-The speaker remains engaged with astronomy through outreach and attending talks or public lectures related to space, considering themselves a 'space nerd'.
Why did the speaker switch from an astronomy major to a physics and maths major?
-The speaker switched because they discovered a preference for hands-on lab work and found that modern astronomy research is more about data analysis and computer science, which didn't align with their interests as much as experimental physics did.
What did the speaker find surprising about their enjoyment of experimental physics research?
-The speaker was surprised to find that they enjoyed being hands-on in the lab, which was contrary to their initial belief that they would be more interested in theoretical work.
Why does the speaker believe a physics and maths major is more versatile than an astronomy major?
-The speaker believes that a physics and maths major provides a broader foundation, which can be applied to a wider range of fields and is more easily communicated to employers as a set of valuable skills.
What advice does the speaker give for students who are unsure about their major?
-The speaker advises starting with broad courses to gain a wide understanding and then building specific skills later. They also recommend engaging in research projects or internships in different areas to discover personal interests and strengths.
What is the speaker's current research project about?
-The speaker's current research project involves applying physics to a biological application, specifically studying how plant cells respond to pressure.
How does the speaker view the relationship between physics, maths, and computer science?
-The speaker sees physics, maths, and computer science as three broad pillars of the physical sciences, each capable of providing a solid foundation for a wide range of applications and fields.
What does the speaker suggest about the flexibility of skills learned in the physical sciences?
-The speaker suggests that the skills learned in the physical sciences are transferable and can be applied to various fields, driven by curiosity and imagination to solve and understand the world around us.
Why does the speaker think it's important to follow one's interests when choosing a research subject or supervisor?
-The speaker believes that following one's interests leads to a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. They also mention that one might discover unexpected interests and passions through this process.
How does the speaker feel about the possibility of changing one's academic or career path?
-The speaker is open to the idea of changing paths and emphasizes that one should not feel boxed into a specific field. They highlight the importance of adaptability and the ability to apply learned skills to new areas.
Outlines
🌌 Astronomy: The Gateway to Space Enthusiasm
The speaker expresses their initial passion for astronomy, which sparked their interest in the broader questions of the universe. They describe how astronomy can inspire and unite people, and how it serves as an excellent platform for outreach and engaging with the community. The speaker also shares their personal journey, transitioning from an astronomy major to a more comprehensive degree in physics and maths, driven by their experiences in research and a desire for a broader foundation.
🧑🔬 Hands-On Research and the Broad Appeal of Physics
The speaker reflects on their unexpected enjoyment of hands-on laboratory work, which contrasted with their initial inclination towards theoretical studies. They discuss the realization that a physics major, along with maths, provides a solid and versatile foundation that can be applied to various fields. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of starting with broad studies and then specializing, as it allows for a more informed choice in future research directions. They share their current research in applying physics to a biological context, demonstrating the adaptability of their skillset.
💡 Embracing Versatility and Encouraging Exploration
The speaker advises on the value of versatility in one's studies and encourages students to explore different areas through research projects and internships. They stress the interconnectedness of subjects like physics, maths, and computer science, and how a strong foundation in these areas can open doors to a wide range of opportunities. The speaker also reassures that it is possible to change paths during one's academic journey and that such exploration can lead to surprising and fulfilling discoveries.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Astronomy
💡Space Nerd
💡Outreach
💡Physics and Maths Major
💡Research
💡Data Analysis
💡Experimental Physics
💡Broad Educational Foundation
💡Biological Application
💡Interdisciplinary Research
💡Curiosity and Imagination
Highlights
Astronomy was the initial science that inspired the speaker, focusing on big questions about our place in the universe.
The speaker remains engaged with astronomy through outreach and other activities, describing themselves as a space nerd.
Astronomy is seen as a field that can unite humanity through the shared quest for understanding spaceflight and the cosmos.
The speaker enjoys outreach, discussing astronomy with non-scientists to spark interest in science.
Astronomy is considered an effective way to engage people who might not be interested in other sciences.
The speaker's major switched from astronomy to physics and maths, considering the latter more broad and foundational.
Experience in astronomical research led to a realization that modern astronomy involves significant computer science and data analysis.
Astronomy research often involves processing large datasets, which can feel like an office job focused on code and data.
The speaker discovered a preference for hands-on lab work in experimental physics over theoretical work.
Physics and maths majors are viewed as more versatile and applicable to a wider range of fields and jobs.
The speaker suggests starting with broad courses in undergraduate studies and then specializing later.
Engaging in research projects or internships in different areas can help students discover their true interests.
The speaker's current research applies physics to biology, studying how plant cells respond to pressure.
Starting with a broad educational foundation allows for later specialization without being pigeonholed early in a career.
The three pillars of physical sciences are identified as physics, maths, and computer science, all valuable for a wide range of problems.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of following one's interests at each point in their academic or professional journey.
The common ideas and skills shared across scientific disciplines allow for fluid transition between fields.
Transcripts
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