1.What are you studying in college?

I am a double major in physics and math at the UO. I am interested in astrophysics.

2.How do you plan to use math in your future????

Astrophysics is extremely math-intensive. I plan to use my math skills on a daily basis in my research. I am interested in galaxy formation andthe structure of the universe. This involves math skills that are so advanced that I haven't even learned them yet!

3. How did you feel about math when you were our age?

I thought math was ok. I was in geometry in the 8th grade, so I was advanced for my school. I had an aptitude for math, but I was more interested and engaged by my English and history classes.

4. How do you feel about it now?

Now, I think its fascinating. I had an excellent teacher this term for mdifferential equations course and he inspired me to be a math major. Its fun and challenging. I realize now that math is a tool, a language to understand the physical world. That's a very powerful thing.

5. What kind of math do you study?

Lots of different kinds of math are helpful in my studies. I study differential equations, linear algebra, topology, geometry. Just about anything I can get my hands on.

6. How long did you go to college?

Well, I already have a college degree in philosophy. Now that I want to study astrophysics, I have come back to college to earn two more degrees (physics, math). Then, of course, there's graduate school. By the time I will have completely finished my formal education, I will have had 7 years of college, and 6 years of graduate school. But if one comes into college having already decided to be a math or physics major,they'd only have to go to college for four years.

7. do you have a hobby or pet?

I enjoy music and reading. I also ride my bicycle a lot. Its a good stress reliever. I've also recently become interested in photography. And I spend lots of time with my partner, Vik.

8. is there anything else we need to know?

The one thing I want to stress is that while I will have spent a great deal of time in school, longer than some of my colleagues, I view those years as a philosophy major as some of the most productive and helpful. I think that scientists must have a good knowledge of the social,historical and economic issues that surround them. It is important to have an education in the current and historical issues that have affected human society, as well as training in your scientific discipline, in order to be productive members of society and fuller human beings.