Why ASU Physics?

“Why ASU for physics? Because of the small classes and one-on-one experience. ASU creates an environment to learn physics while making friends and enjoying the whole college experience in a curriculum that put people together in the beginning and has them grow in physics and friendship well past their graduation. As for just why physics, it is an opportunity to study something so esoteric that every day is mind-blowing and exciting. It is an opportunity to understand the universe we live in.”

— Christopher Friedline

“I decided to study physics because, one day I realized that nobody I knew could answer the really big questions I had—like how gravity and light work, and why the world and the universe exists. Secondly, I just had to know what makes everything work; I found that I was spending more than half of my time thinking about these really big questions and that there was no other alternative. I had to do what I love the best: study physics and learn why for myself. I chose to study at ASU because ASU has the best physics department in the state.”

— Patrick Varvel

“I chose to study physics because when I was six-years-old, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory let me operate the telescope, and I have been hooked on the idea of studying physics of the universe ever since. I chose to study at ASU not only because of the great reputation that the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has, but also because it is home to me. Growing up, my single mother took me at five-years-old to classes with her at ASU in Tempe, so I’m familiar with the campus and a few faculty even from way back when.”

— Arisha Boers

“I once read a very entertaining definition of physics that stated, ‘The study of natural phenomena such as heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, etc., but not usually chemistry or biology.’ This is what we in the pure sciences call, handwaving. It would have been just as rigorous a definition had they used Douglas Adams’ quote, ‘The answer to life, the universe and everything.’ If you’ve ever been at the gym thinking about the physics of the exercises in your routine or joked about how Piggy in "Lord of the Flies" could start a fire with diverging lenses, you’re a physicist. I got into physics because I was always inquiring about the world around me (the annoying kid who wouldn’t stop asking ‘why?’); and in essence, physics is mankind’s best shot at figuring out what in the world is going on out there. Of course, I also began studying physics because of the impeccable sense of humor physicists have.”

— Alexander Martinsen

“I knew I wanted to study physics from a young age, I remember taking my first physics class in seventh grade and loving it. I especially like the different approaches that one can take in regards to physics: either you can try to prove a theory, or you can try to disprove that same theory. Another reason I chose to study physics is because I am also a pre-med major, and I like the fact that physics is slightly different from the biology or chemistry oriented majors. I chose to study physics at ASU for a number of reasons, the most significant being that I enjoyed the way the courses were structured for each year. Another reason was the fact that I enjoyed that the students could be very ‘hands on’ during the lab experiments. I chose to pursue my undergraduate degree at ASU for a number of reasons, the first of which was I was particularly impressed with the academic options offered at ASU. I was impressed as how the students were encouraged to think for themselves, whilst still having the academic support if they needed it. I also enjoyed the student atmosphere when I visited the university.”

— Sarah Mayer

“I chose to study physics for philosophical reason. To encompass both physics and philosophy—my majors—together will, I believe, lead to a very fulfilling life for myself.”

— John Caravello