Career Paths

The Physics department at UNCA provided a friendly and welcoming environment for me. From hanging out in the physics lounge, pulling coffee-filled late night study sessions with others, and being able to work closely with my professors, all of this led to a very fulfilling and positive experience. In retrospect, the sense of community and belonging that this department established is rare and should be cherished. I made lasting friendships because of that. Some of my favorite moments included detecting exoplanets with the university's telescope, and discussing those exciting findings with my professors. Today I am working as a data scientist for Gainwell Technologies. I work with Tennessee Medicaid to help improve their quality of care for members and deliver insights. The technical and soft skills that I picked up while at UNCA helped me get a foothold in my career

The best part of my studies in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UNCA was the group of supportive friends I built through our many hours spent in the physics lounge working on homework, preparing for exams, and spending quality time together. (Years later we’re still in contact every month!) This space, and the community I found in it, made my time there very memorable and really propelled me in my academic career by preparing me for research in a highly collaborative environment.