Keynote Panel: Diverse Careers with a Physics Degree
Panelists: Clarice Aiello, Kathleen Menyhart, Dr. Yoriko Morita, Dr. Fana Mulu-Moore, Carolyn Collins Petersen
Moderated by: Sarah Gonzalez
Explore the versatility of a physics degree! As undergraduates, we often hear primarily about academic career paths, while over half of physics graduates find success in the private sector. Hear from our panel of professionals from diverse fields—including engineering, education, writing, business, law, and government affairs—as they share their unique career journeys. Discover which roles may require graduate school, gain insights into their paths, and receive valuable advice for navigating your own career in physics.
Parallel Panel Sessions
More Diverse Careers in Physics
Panelists: Dr. Jessica Hoehn, Adrienne Pickerill, and Dr. Neesha Schnepf
Moderated by: Dr. Kristine Rezai
Didn't get enough in the keynote panel? Come hear about more career paths with a physics degree.
The Boulder Hub: Quantum, Optics, and Aerospace in Industry and Government
Panelists: Dr. Sara Campbell, Dr. Kristina Chang, and Olivia Kleinhaus
Moderated by: Joanna Lis
Colorado has become a hub for aerospace, optics, and quantum research by both government labs and industry. Come hear from speakers in these fields who discuss the rich innovation within the state and the variety of jobs for these fields.
Science writing, ethics and public policy
Panelists: Liz Kruesi, Dr. Jimmy Negus, and Alexandra Witze
Moderated by: Kenna Hughes-Castleberry
Science writing can influence public policy and bring up important ethical issues. This panel focuses on these connections and highlights how effective communication can help move public policy and ethics forward in important science topics such as climate change and government research.
The Academic Path Outside Physics
Panelists: Dr. Somaye Babaei, Misty Chien, and Stephanie McNamara
Moderated by: Prof. Alysia Marino
This panel will discuss the transition from a bachelors degree in physics to graduate studies outside of physics. We will discuss the following topics: how did you find and decide to switch topics, what do you need to successfully transition to another field, and how have you used your physics insight in a new field?
Graduate School Admissions
Panelists: Prof. Jennifer Hoffman, Prof. Kevin Stenson, and Ruby Wei
Moderated by: Dr. Kathryne Sparks Woodle
This panel will share insights on what physics and astronomy graduate school programs are looking for, what the application process entails, who is making the decisions, and advice specifically for first-gen students and international students.
Combatting Imposter Phenomenon
Panelists: Willa Arthur-Dworschack, Dr. Gayle Geschwind, and Dr. Yoriko Morita
Moderated by: Dr. Allison Carter
How does imposter phenomenon start and evolve over a physics career? How do you handle and break free from imposter phenomenon? Join us to hear personal experiences from the panelists and insights into navigating imposter phenomenon.
BIPOC Experiences in Physics
Panelists: Dr. Fana Mulu-Moore, Dr. Jimmy Negus, and Aliza Siddiqui
Moderated by: Dr. Rachael Merritt
Panelists will share individual experiences related to the intersection of gender and race in physics.
Gender Minorities and Out In Physics
Panelists: Rae Larsen, Josie Meyer, Dr. Neesha Schnepf (Sunday only), and Dr. Christina C. C. Willis
Moderated by: Dr. Jake Higgins
Panelists will share individual experiences as gender minorities and LGBT+ individuals in Physics. We will ask panelist how they navigate the workplace as a minority, what impact their gender identity or sexuality has, and what advice they may have for finding support and community inside Physics.
Accessible Physics
Panelists: Nereida Martinez, Abigail Moran, and Aliza Siddiqui
Moderated by: Dr. Rachael Merritt
This panel will discuss the challenges faced by a diverse community of physicists including how to navigate careers in physics as a first-generation college student, as a person with mental health disorders, as a neurodivergent scientist, as a person with a disability, as a “late start” physicist, as a (single) parent, and an international student.
Parallel Workshops
Physics in Focus: Finding Your Place and Purpose
This workshop is designed to help undergraduate women and gender minorities in physics explore how purpose and community can support them through their physics journey. The session will encourage attendees to embrace their purpose, recognize the power of asking for help, and take steps to create and sustain meaningful connections, both at the conference and beyond.
Saturday: 10:30-11:15 AM Duane G1B20
Sunday: 9:00-9:45 AM Duane G130
Interrupting Racism
In this workshop, we'll grow our understanding of oppression and racism, and how each individual can help interrupt it. Join us for a discussion of how we can support everyone in and outside of physics.
Sunday: 9:00-9:45 AM Duane G131
Exploring Social Identities
Together, we'll dissect the many facets of what make up our social identities. In this context, we'll also learn more about how to support those around us.
Sunday: 9:55-10:40 AM Duane G131
From Discovery to Dialog: Why Science Communication Counts
In this workshop, we'll discuss the history and evolution of hwo we communicate science. Then, we'll dig into science stereotypes and understand why effective communicatio around science is important.
Saturday: 10:30-11:15 AM Duane G131
Sunday: 9:55-10:40 AM Duane G125
Applications: Fellowships and Other Funding Sources
Learn what funding sources are available and best practices in filling out your applications.
Saturday: 10:30-11:15 AM Duane G125
Sunday: 9:00-9:45 AM Duane G1B20
Changing Physics Culture Through Public Engagement and Outreach
This workshop motivates the importance of public engagement and outreach in physics. Together, we'll break down the steps necessary to craft an effective, engaging event.
Saturday: 10:30-11:15 AM Duane G130
Joining the scholarly research conversation: Identifying, Reading, and Writing Academic Physics Papers
Join us for a session in which we’ll discuss how to follow forward and backwards citations, develop skills to build a comprehensive overview of the literature of your field, and use the structure of research papers to find new papers, construct your own arguments, and find gaps in the experimental research.
Sunday: 9:00-9:45 AM Duane G125
Building your CV or Resume for a Non-Academic Career
Explore careers with a physics degree and learn how to create an effective CV.
Sunday: 9:55-10:40 AM Duane G1B20
Elements of Science Journalism
Discover what makes a great story in science journalism. Practice dissecting articles and discuss the process of telling a story about scientific advances.
Sunday: 9:55-10:40 AM Duane G130