Mma Ikwut-Ukwa
What was your favorite thing about the concentration?
My favorite aspect of being an Astrophysics concentrator was working on research at the CfA. I also really enjoyed the times I traveled with the concentration; I had the opportunity to use telescopes at other observatories, attend conferences, and visit historical astronomy sites.
Do you have any advice for students considering becoming an astrophysics concentrator?
Don’t be afraid to get to know professors and to be proactive in getting involved in research. If you have other interests and are deciding between concentrations, consider how you might be able to combine them to do a joint or secondary! For me, a secondary in the Earth and Planetary Sciences department was a great complement to my experience in Astrophysics.
What will you be doing in the next couple of years?
I am heading to the University of Amsterdam to spend a year doing research on exoplanet atmospheres, after which I will be starting my PhD in Planetary Science at Caltech.
Mahlet Shiferaw
What was your favorite thing about the concentration?
Shelly Tsirulik
Why did you choose to become an astrophysics concentrator?
I chose to become an astrophysics concentrator when I realized that the most fascinating questions I'd read about as a child - how did we get here? is there other life out there? - actually comprised a serious academic field; and one that valued undergraduate input!
What was your favorite thing about the concentration?
I loved how accessible research was to undergraduates, and how the department helped guide you into research even if you've never done any research before.
Do you have any advice for students considering becoming an astrophysics concentrator?
Get involved in research as soon as possible! The department always sends out a list of available undergraduate research projects, so all you have to do is email the professors (they're accessible, I promise!) and set up a time to talk. Easily the best and most meaningful learning experience in my time at Harvard!
What will you be doing in the next couple of years?
I'm going to be working as an Associate Consultant at The Boston Consulting Group, a multinational management consulting firm.
Anything else you want to say?
"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." - Vincent Van Gogh
Tom Wagg
Why did you choose to become an astrophysics concentrator?
A mixture of reasons: the fascinating research, supportive advising atmosphere and friendliness of the other undergraduates.
What was your favorite thing about the concentration?
The feeling of being valued as an individual. So many students in other concentrations lament about how their advisors don't know their names or really care for their success. I feel the opposite in astrophysics.
Do you have any advice for students considering becoming an astrophysics concentrator?
Chat with the professors. They are all really approachable and will be extremely helpful in guiding you with any decisions.
What will you be doing in the next couple of years?
I'm taking a year to continue working on some research with Professor Selma de Mink at the CfA before starting my PhD in Astrophysics at the University of Washington.
Jamie Weisenberg
I came into college thinking of studying something in science, possibly physics. I took astro 16 my freshman spring and loved the course material and labs. Since I was always a big fan of space documentaries on the science channel, studying astro fell into place after that class. Some advice I have for potential concentrators is to get to know the faculty in the department and to take advantage of the cool labs and field trips. My favorite thing about the concentration was being able to take small classes and research directly with committed professors. After graduation I will be working in aerospace and defense consulting. The department is heavily geared toward going into research and academia but there are definitely other opportunities!