Colin Myers

Brianna in the classroom

Name: Colin Myers 

Hometown: Shrewsbury, PA 

Anticipated graduation: Spring 2024 

Major(s): Physics B.S., Mathematics B.S. 

 

Internships/Research/Projects:

I was a 2023 Society of Physics Student (SPS) intern. It was through SPS that I spent 10 weeks over the summer doing a research project at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). I investigated surface transfer doping of diamond. Currently, I am studying anisotropy in gold thin films with Dr. Tariq Gilani.   

Inspirations (for major, research, internship):

Programs like NOVA really got me interested in science at a young age. The more extreme topics like black holes and relativity were always the most exciting to me, which pushed me towards physics. It helps that I enjoy challenges and problem solving, and that’s primarily what physics is. During my 2nd year in college, I took a class called Thermodynamics, and that caught my interest the most. “Thermo” is all about energy and how gases and solids behave in our world. That class taught me I wanted to learn more about material science and led me to my current research. 

Highlights (from courses/internship/research):

Working at NIST during summer 2023 was incredible. Seeing a national laboratory in action was really motivating.  I got the chance to work with a lot of equipment that most universities don’t have easy access to. A lot of the laboratory classes here at MU have been great as well. The professors give students a lot of independence to learn lab skills and techniques organically. Getting to know every professor has been fantastic as well. They’re all genuinely invested in teaching physics. 

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):

One of my biggest takeaways is how collaborative science is. During my 3rd year, my peers and I traveled to PhysCon where we got to hear from numerous speakers and panelists over a whole weekend. Until that point, it was hard to see past the department here at MU, but national conferences like that one demonstrates how we’re a part of a much larger community. 

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):

I think the priority for any freshman is to get to know your fellow physics majors. There are some challenging classes along the way to a physics degree, and having peers to engage with, challenge you, and support you makes the journey so much more realistic and rewarding. Science is a community, and you’ll learn so much more discussing it with others than doing it on your own. Also, get to know all the professors you can, especially those in your major. They get more excited to teach you when they can see you’re interested in learning! 

Aspirations (upon graduation):

Upon graduation, my plan is to attend graduate school and pursue a PhD in materials science or condensed matter physics. The application process is like undergrad, but it’s a bit more thorough and personal. I’d like to work in a laboratory setting eventually, and work on science that can improve the technology we use every day.  

What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?

I’ve always enjoyed the first 2-3 weeks of a new course. It’s exciting when you take a new physics course that you know very little about, and those first few weeks when you learn the basics of a new branch of physics are always fascinating. The last couple weeks are often fun too because that’s when you’ll learn about a few of the more advanced topics in the field.  

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University

  • Engle Award 
  • Faraday Scholarship 
  • Stauffer Award 
  • Philip C and Ashkur Murley Scholarship 
  • Board of Governor’s Scholarship