Sophia Vanderwaal, a Physics Major at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), visited the York Minster while on an undergraduate research trip to London. Sophia Vanderwaal, a senior physics major at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), is helping push the boundaries of astrophysics. Under the mentorship of Dr. Sukanya Chakrabarti, the Pei-Ling Chan Endowed Chair in the College of Science at UAH, Vanderwaal has conducted research on pulsars as galactic accelerometers, an experience she describes as both transformative and deeply rewarding. In addition to research, Vanderwaal plays an active role around the UAH campus. “You’ll find me working at the front desk in the Advising Office some days. I’ve been a student specialist there for almost two years now,” she says. “Other days, you'll probably still find me in the Materials Science Building. I'm always in there.” This semester, she’ll also begin working as a tutor in the Student Success Center. Sophia Vanderwaal presenting her reserach at the Fermi National Acceelerator Laboratory, or Fermilab, located near Chicago. Sophia Vanderwaal Not only is Vanderwaal an active student employee, but she is heavily involved in UAH student organizations. “I serve as the Outreach Officer for the Astronomy Club (a role I’ve held since sophomore year), and I’ve recently taken on the challenge of reviving our Society of Physics Students chapter, which had been inactive for a while.” These experiences have not only deepened her academic journey but have also shaped her experience as a physics major. “Being involved on campus has helped me build a strong physics community,” she explains. “I’ve met friends, mentors, and other students who share similar interests. That support system has made my experience as a physics major a lot more enjoyable.” Vanderwaal’s interest in physics began at an early age. “Back in sixth grade, I was an overachiever who loved science and math, and I told everyone I was going to be an astrophysicist,” she said. A stargazing trip to the Grand Canyon deepened that early curiosity for Vanderwaal. “There was virtually no light pollution and the sky was really clear that night, and I was completely blown away by what I saw.” While she didn’t love her algebra-based physics class in high school, her talent for math and long-standing passion for the cosmos led her naturally to a physics major at UAH. Now, as she begins her final year, she’s exploring graduate schools and research opportunities around the country. "Talk to your professors," is the advice offerred by senior physics major Sophia Vanderwaal, who had the opportunity to travel to Chicago and present her research. Sophia Vanderwaal Her journey into research began at UAH after taking AST 106: Exploring the Cosmos with Dr. Chakrabarti. AST 106 is an introductory astronomy course that emphasizes the quantitative aspects of physical phenomena in the universe. Topics include the motions of celestial bodies, the development of astronomy, gravity and motion, light and telescopes, properties of gases and radiation, the Earth and Moon, eclipses, and a survey of the solar system. “I reached out to her for advice during my sophomore year, and she ended up welcoming me into her research group!” Vanderwaal explained. “I worked with her and her postdoc, Dr. Donlon, for a little over a year.” Together, Vanderwaal and Dr. Donlon focused their research on pulsars, which are rapidly spinning neutron stars with precise electromagnetic signals. “I helped assess their timing characteristics to better understand how their magnetic fields contribute to the rate at which their spin periods slow down. I was even a co-author on one of their published papers earlier this year!,” Vanderwaal excitedly tells us. UAH physics major Sophia Vanderwaal, discusses her reserach on pulsars as galactic accelerometers with Dr. Rainer Steinwandt, Dean, UAH College of Science. Sophia Vanderwaal That experience laid the groundwork for a prestigious summer research opportunity. “This past summer, I had the opportunity to research at Fermilab, one of the Department of Energy’s national labs near Chicago,” she says. “I got to dive into neutrino physics and develop a particle identification algorithm for one of the detectors.” That experience, she explains, helped her discover her niche. “It ended up being a really important experience for me, because it helped me find my research niche in high energy physics, a field that doesn’t have much of a local presence back home in Huntsville.” Managing classes, jobs, research, and leadership roles requires intentional structure. “I’m already a pretty organized person, which definitely helps,” Vanderwaal says, while explaining her daily process. She relies on Google Calendar, frequent to-do lists, and a personal notebook system to stay on track. “One of the biggest things that helps is starting assignments well before they’re due. That gives me time to explore the material, ask questions, and work through challenges without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.” Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Vanderwaal is a first-generation college student. “No one in my immediate family has completed a four-year degree,” she shares. “Even so, I’ve always felt incredibly supported, especially by my mom and stepdad.” While she now calls Huntsville home, she still stays closely connected to her family. “I try to visit home about once a month, and honestly I FaceTime them pretty much daily. I’m surprised they’re not sick of me yet.” After graduation, Vanderwaal plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physics. “I’m primarily looking at programs with strong high energy physics research groups,” she said. “I’m also hoping to do another summer research experience at a national lab, like I did this past summer. This time, though, I might stay a little closer to home, maybe at Oak Ridge National Lab.” "The UAH College of Science offers a vast array of opportunities for undergraduate reserach. Sophia Vanderwaal traveled to London as an undergraduate student to present her physics reserach. Sophia Vanderwaal For other students considering a physics degree at UAH, Vanderwaal offers both encouragement and realism. “First: it’s okay to change your mind. Undergrad is all about discovery, so try out research areas you don’t think you’ll like. You might be surprised by what actually excites you.” She also emphasizes the importance of building relationships. “Talk to your professors. Seriously. They’re just people, and most of them WANT to talk to students.” And, she adds with a laugh, “don’t take Quantum Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism in the same semester if you can avoid it. It's tough.”