June 8, 2022 –
Cole Coughlin and Gareth Kozinyak, a 2022 graduate of UM’s Faculty of Science, have proven that a degree in physics can be very rewarding.
Coughlin (BSc./22 (Hons.)) Is leaving to pursue a master’s program at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, and Kozyniak (BSc./22 (Hons)) will pursue a master’s program at UM, developing a non-invasive Blood Glucose Meter for diabetics, with Dr. Kang Ming Hu.
Cole Coughlin, class 2022
Cole Coughlin, 2022 Bachelor’s degree (Honors), Computer Science and Physics
What interests you about physics?
I would say that scientific communicators like Carl Sagan and Richard Feynman have shown me that physics can answer some of the biggest questions we can ask about the universe, such as whether it originated and what it is made of. ? My parents and teachers helped foster my passion for science and math, and once I learned that being a scientist was a career I could pursue, computer science and physics became the obvious choice, as they were and remain my greatest interests.
Why are you interested in this topic?
I’ve always been interested in what makes the world tick and, of course, I was the kid who would almost never be satisfied with any answer given to me and would ask “why?” – until we were so far away. the initial question, we would forget what it was all about. I remember being excited about how confusing quantum mechanics is and how the universe seems to behave in such a way that we could never have guessed if we hadn’t been forced to invent a theory to describe what we see. Being a physicist allows me to wonder and learn about the smallest things we know and the size of the universe at the same time, and everything in between. My interest in computer science stems from my love of technology and how it can be used to solve problems we might not otherwise be able to. Programming has proven to be an invaluable tool for my physics education, in addition to being one of my favorite creative endeavors.
What was the most difficult challenge you had to overcome during your training?
During the first few years of my degree, I learned that I worked best in social settings that forced me to focus on my studies and tasks, such as the noisy part of the engineering library or working with friends. When the pandemic moved us online, I had to learn how to rely on myself to motivate me to work and study, which was a challenge to say the least. I have slowly improved on this and I am sure that being able to motivate myself to work when I need it will be a useful skill in the future.
What will you remember the most from your experience at UM?
The organization of physics students is the student group of physics at UM and through joining and volunteering in the organization I met some of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for. The friends I met encouraged me to run for vice president and then for president of the organization, which was an experience for which I am incredibly grateful. In addition to providing free lessons for students and exam sessions, OPUS gave me the chance to make a great group of friends from whom to bounce ideas and support each other when we need it most. I can’t wait to see where the friends I made will go, and we’ll no doubt keep in touch far into the future, remembering the good old days when we crammed into exams and struggled with our dissertations, and somehow had a great time. way.
What next?
This September, I will participate in the International Master’s Program at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, along with 25 other students from about 20 different countries in Waterloo, Ontario. This master’s program lasts 10 months and promises a rapid transition in all the boldest concepts in physics, from quantum field theory to cosmology. I am extremely excited to be selected for the program and look forward to the challenge. Then I will strive to start a PhD with the hope of one day becoming a professor of physics and conducting my own research, as well as being able to teach and share my excitement about physics.
Advice for prospective students?
My advice to prospective students would be to try your best to get involved in the community you are in. OPUS was there to help me with my diploma with the support of friends and the opportunity to contribute as CEO of the organization was a rewarding experience. The university is difficult, and in my experience much more difficult alone. So, if you can, stepping out of your comfort zone and trying to get involved in student groups at first was scary for me, but one of the better decisions I made.
Gareth Kozinyak, bachelor’s degree (with honors), physics and astronomy
What interests you in your physics and astronomy?
What interests me about choosing physics as my major is the multifaceted knowledge gained that is applicable in other fields, such as biology, chemistry, and engineering, to name a few. At the same time build basic skills in mathematics, coding and critical thinking. In general, the specialty of physics is very rewarding.
Why are you interested in this topic?
I’ve always loved building things, especially electronics. The ability to theoretically predict the results of a device or invention that you have built, I find really powerful and interesting.
What was the most difficult challenge you had to overcome during your training?
Determining which branch of education I am really passionate about continuing my education. I have always been interested in the mysteries and vastness of space, which is why I chose a distinction in astrophysics. However, it wasn’t until I took a course that was more practical that I discovered that experimental physics was more satisfying.
What will you remember most about your time at UM?
As I return to graduate school, what I remember most so far is how useful and helpful my teachers are and their genuine interest in the success of their students. My supervisor is Dr. Kan-Ming Hu, and I joined his spintronics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. For my thesis project, I used the theory developed by Group Hu to design an improved microwave sensor that can non-invasively detect blood sugar levels and hopefully in the future it can be used as a convenient alternative to blood sugar monitoring. for diabetics. .
The main reason I chose this project was that I wanted to make a useful device based on the amazing research found in Dr. Kan-Ming Hu’s lab. In the end, I chose an improved sensor application that has not yet been implemented using the work done by Group Hu.
What next?
I am a planned master’s student, starting in the autumn semester of 2022 with the Hu research group, which I joined during my dissertation, where I strive to continue my dissertation work and participate in future research projects. I believe I can learn a lot more from Dr. Hu and his group.
Advice for prospective students?
Try your best and never give up, then you will never be disappointed.
Jennifer McRae
Add Comment