VT College of Science Magazine Fall 2005 | Page 13

Reflections on the Fluid and
Fascinating World of Science
Life at Virginia Tech extends beyond the traditional classroom for David Erickson
and Sarah Koss, two undergraduate scholars in the College of Science.

The College of Science (COS) is proud to be the “home” of two Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
recipients this year. David Erickson, a junior majoring in physics and math, plans to pursue a
Ph.D. and ultimately conduct research and teach at the university level. Sarah Koss, a sophomore
with a triple major in biology, psychology, and studio art, plans to pursue a combined M.D./
Ph.D. program in the field of neuropathology.
Goldwater scholars are selected for academic merit, and each is awarded up to $7,500 per year for tuition, fees, books,
and room and board. Congress established the scholarship program in 1986 to honor the late Sen. Goldwater and to
encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.
Erickson and Koss were among 320 Goldwater scholars chosen from an applicant field of 1,091 undergraduates across
the country. We asked each of them to share their thoughts on the value of undergraduate research* and other topics that
have enlightened and inspired them in their journey so far.

David Erickson
Undergraduate research has been one
of the most important and helpful
experiences in my training for a scientific career. My research has provided
a fun and challenging way to broaden,
yet focus, my education. I have been
able to branch out and educate myself
on diverse topics in hopes of better
tackling one problem. Through undergraduate research I have also come
to better understand what it means
to be a scientist. In scientific research
you must determine the problem that
you want to solve as well as devise the
solution, whereas in a traditional
course, the problem is already well defined and thus much
simpler. I find it deeply satisfying to come up with an
intriguing problem that has never been investigated and
search for an answer. That is what research is all about.
Professors Beate Schmittmann and Royce Zia in the
physics department have both been excellent mentors. I
didn’t know of the extreme advantages of undergraduate
research until Professor Schmittmann contacted and

enlightened me. She encouraged me to
find a research project that interested
me and proposed a couple that I could
work on with her. After searching, I
decided to stick with her because the
project was fascinating, and I knew
that she would be a great adviser.
Thus I began my research with two
professors who often collaborate, and
I have no regrets. Both of them are
always accessible and able to help me
with research, classes, and general
questions. They inform me of programs
and scholarships that I should pursue, and I even let Professor Zia talk
me into taking a graduate-level course
from him last fall. Both are always willing to write a letter
of recommendation and help out with any application
process. I truly believe that without their help I would not
have won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. What’s
really extraordinary though is that they are more than just
mentors; I consider them friends. Our interactions are
not confined to research, but extend to social events and
friendly conversations.

* The College of Science continues to create and support programs that encourage undergraduate students to participate in the college’s research mission.
More than 300 students representing all departments in the college participated in undergraduate research and field study projects last year.

I would also say that the Intermediate Electricity and
Magnetism course I took at VT has made an enormous
impact on me. The course is part of what is known as the
“junior wall” amongst the physics undergraduates because
of its difficulty. It is indeed very challenging, but also
rewarding and int ɥ