Five questions with third-year honours physics student Victoria Loosemore
2013-03-11 14:20:14
Third-year honours physics student Victoria Loosemore is from White Rock, BC.
1- Why did you choose to study physics?
When I was younger, I looked up at the stars and told my mother I wanted to study the stars. She informed me that who I wanted to be was an astronomer. So she bought me a few books and binoculars, took me to the planetarium where I learned all about space and the stars, and I loved it all. But one day, I realized that studying the stars wasn’t really crazy enough for an adventure child like me, and that I actually wanted to go to the stars. That’s when I decided to become an astronaut. There are no real criteria for becoming an astronaut — many of them are pilots, engineers, and physicists first, and then become chosen as astronauts. Basically, I chose the subject that fascinated me the most, that could lead me towards a journey into space, which happened to be physics.
2- What do you like most about the program?
I love the small classes starting as early as second year. The smaller size allowed me to connect with other students and professors, and some of my best friends at Mount Allison were originally just study partners I met in class. The professors are great to talk to and a wonderful help in class and outside it. Due to the size of the department, it’s not unlikely to receive a summer research position with a professor after second year and third year. I was very fortunate to participate in research last summer; it was a great learning experience and opportunity to be able to explore work in physics outside of the classroom.
3- Who would you recommend the physics program to?
I would recommend this program to anyone who loves learning, which would technically be everyone coming to university. You’ll learn everything from how to derive the Schrödinger equation to Einstein’s theory of special relativity, to the reason my glass casserole dish shattered after it was transferred from my oven directly into the cold sink (thermodynamically speaking of course). If you want to take physics, a keen interest in the universe and the laws that govern it are the only pre-requisites necessary, although a strong background and interest in mathematics is also helpful.
4- Advice for first-year students looking at studying physics?
If you aren’t sure about a degree in physics, do some research and ask questions. Email a professor — trust me, they’re pretty cool people — and read some articles or papers. (Don’t worry if you don’t understand it all). If you get a chance to visit Mount Allison, ask if you can talk to a professor during the tour, where they may show you classrooms, talk to you about the physics program, and discuss their research that they conduct here. Heck, go all out and read some Stephen Hawking or Neil deGrasse Tyson — if you are set on being a physics major, feel free to do all of the above, it’s good for you.
5- Do you have any advice for prospective students looking to study at Mount Allison?
The best thing I ever did was visit Mount Allison before coming here — the tour really sealed the deal for me. So if you get the chance come visit, you won’t regret it.