Physics and astronomy majors graduate from Whittier College with a wide variety of opportunities before them.
Recent physics and astronomy alumni are completing advanced degrees at institutions that include Stanford University, Columbia University, UCLA, USC, and Boston University. Graduates who enter the professional arena have taken jobs in teaching, biotechnology, software contracting, consulting companies, engineering, and more.
Cassady Smith '20
Physics Ph.D. Student at Yale
Cassady is bringing physics theories to life at Yale, a leader in research on superconducting circuits for quantum computing.
"I learn from and work with some of the best people in the field," she said. She's greatly enjoyed learning more about simulations, nanofabrication, and more while experimenting with quantum physics every day.
Whittier was a good fit to foster her scientific curiosity. Small class sizes allowed her to interact more with her professors, ask questions, and create a close-knit community of friends to study with.
"Additionally, it is very evident that each of the professors has a passion for teaching," she said. "The way they explain the concepts is so clear for those who have never learnt them before, and they are all so kind and receptive. Whittier gave me an excellent grasp of the fundamentals of physics, and the liberal arts education fulfilled my passion for literature, foreign languages, and art."
Kalina Gospodinova ’04
NOSAM Researcher
Coming from Bulgaria on a full scholarship, Kalina loved every moment of her Whittier experience. She stargazed in a national park, studied the challenging mechanics of the universe, and took part in research projects that prepared her for her amazing career. She’s worked on NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander and now investigates the Earth’s oceans with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
“My professors were the most devoted and inspiring teachers I have ever had, and I still keep in touch with most of them. They challenged all of us, and they created opportunities to become part of the scientific community and to participate in research projects that helped build expertise for our future careers.”
Chris Marvin ’09
Astronomer
Chris has helped discover several potentially habitable planets, alongside international teams of fellow astronomers. From his vantage point in Silia, Chile, Chris helped find Proxima b, a planet that might support human life that’s orbiting the star nearest our own.
While at Whittier, he built a solid foundation for his future discoveries by researching quasars—massive celestial bodies—alongside his professor Glenn Piner.
“The great thing is that the professors make sure to put an emphasis on fundamentally understanding concepts. This helped me so much more than if we’d looked at problems just through rote learning.”
Dipesh Bhattari ’05
Process Development Engineer at Cree Inc.
Dipesh has been enthralled by physics—how it explains the world around us—ever since eighth grade. At Whittier, his passion led him to helping find one of the fastest moving objects in the universe. Now the proud owner of two master’s degrees, Dipesh improves the performance of LED devices for worldwide manufacturer Cree Inc.
“Whittier gave me sound knowledge on different academic disciplines, as well as made me a good physicist.”
Find your own career and internship opportunities at the Center for Career and Professional Development.
