Claire Atkinson
As a third year student double majoring in Physics as well as Applied and Computational Math Sciences (ACMS), I have had the chance to explore many applications of physics to real-world problems through research. My career as a researcher began at the UW Applied Physics Lab where I wrote code to simulate the flight dynamics of underwater gliders that take measurements of important ocean quantities. I subsequently explored the field of soft matter physics through an REU program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. My project probed the effect of constituent particle shape on the flow properties of a bulk system with applications in the design of novel materials. Most recently, I joined Professor Gundlach’s lab at UW where biological nanopores are used to sequence DNA and study enzyme function. My work on these projects has inspired me to pursue a PhD followed by a career in applied physics research. I sought out the Goldwater Scholarship because the money and recognition offered would increase my chances of getting into graduate school and help kick-start my career.
When not in the lab, I serve as the President of the Society of Physics Students and am a member of the Climate and Diversity Committee, working to increase community and inclusivity. Outside of school, I enjoy outdoor activities including soccer and hiking, playing and listening to music, reading, exploring the city, and spending time with friends and family. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the mentors and friends who have helped me become the person and researcher I am today; None of this would have been possible without their unwavering support and guidance.
Goals
My goal is to perform applied physics research, where the knowledge I learn can be experimentally applied across disciplines including biology, materials, and oceanography, similar to the research I have performed already in my undergraduate career. In the short term, I plan to pursue a PhD in physics followed in the long term by a career in industry related to such research.
Tips
Take time to reflect back upon all of your college experiences, think about how you have gotten to where you are today, and most of all have fun with it! It is much easier to write an impressive application when one finds reasons to be proud of their own accomplishments first. No matter the outcome, assembling the materials for this application is a good way to discover more about yourself and reflect back upon your path through college thus far.
