Springfield College Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Chair James O’Brien, right, recently joined undergraduate student Will Kerin, left, in presenting at the American Physical Society (APS) national meeting in New York City.
Kerin is the first Springfield College student to ever present undergraduate research in physics at the national level. In addition, Kerin won the undergraduate “Best in Presentation” award.
“Attending the APS April meeting was an incredible experience,” said Kerin. “Spending quality time with my advisor, James O’Brien, as well as meeting a ton of brilliant physicists was something I will never forget. My favorite part of the whole experience was meeting other undergraduates from other institutions studying the same novel physics theories as myself and speaking with them about their phenomenal work. Overall, it was a fantastic conference and a great opportunity to build connections for my future.”
Traveling to conferences is one of the best ways for students to gain out-of-the classrooms experiences that allow them to find new collaborators, as well as learn about the new breakthroughs and advancements in physics.
“My favorite part of these events is being able to share them with undergraduate students and see how much they take out of these opportunities,” said O’Brien. “Will Kerin is a great student, and was a great representative of our Humanics education at the meeting and conference.”
