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Princeton Prof. Isobel Ojalvo: Early Curiosity leads to High Energy Particle Physics Research.

College Matters. Alma Matters.
College Matters. Alma Matters.
Episode • Jul 23, 2020 • 50m

Episode summary introduction: She grew up enjoying Math and Science, overcoming societal biases about girls and science. She went on to pursue a PhD in Physics from the University of Wisconsin Madison, making a stop at RPI for her undergraduate degree in Physics and Mathematics.

Today Isobel Ojalvo is a High Energy Particle Physicist, and Assistant Professor at Princeton University.

In particular, we discuss the following with her:

  • Being a Girl in STEM
  • Decision to be in Academia
  • Why High Energy Particle Physics Research?

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Professional Journey Highlights [1:50]
  • As a Girl in STEM  [6:01]
  • UG Years at RPI [8:47]
  • Boeing Job inspires Research Career [13:30]
  • Back to School - PhD at U of Wisconsin Madison [19:35]
  • 7 Years in Geneva - with Colliders [25:17]
  • “Super Fascinating Particle” Physics Research [28:12]
  • Teaching at Princeton [34:55]
  • HS Girls in STEM: #1 Stick with it [39:41]
  • HS Girls in STEM: #2 Find a Mentor [45:04]
  • Today’s Students: Lots of Ways to help you Learn [48:02]

Our Guest: Dr Isobel Ojalvo is a High Energy Particle Physicist and an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department at Princeton University. Prof Ojalvo received her undergraduate degree in Physics and Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Prof Ojalvo then went on to get her PhD in Physics from University of Wisconsin Madison.

Memorable Quote: “Finally, when I got into Research, that’s when I felt like I know what I want to do, I am happy doing it, and I am interested to work very, very long hours, because I was interested in everything I was doing.”

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript. 

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