Get to know a physics major
Amanda Newton is a senior from New Baltimore, MI majoring in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics.
What have you enjoyed about 黑料网? My favorite part of 黑料网 is the amount of opportunities for undergraduate students here. As the physics department is undergrad only, I’ve had ample opportunities for research and publications as an undergraduate. Additionally, the professors truly take the time to work closely with students. Beyond the physics department, there are constantly events going on for community building, and there are many events for lots of interests!
What interested you about physics? My favorite show as a kid was PBS’s Fetch with Ruff Ruffman, where I was introduced to physics concepts for the first time, and math had always been my favorite subject. Then, my high school physics teacher solidified my interest in the subject, where he created a community in his class conducive to learning and exploration. I then became determined to contribute to physics through collaboration from this experience.
What research have you done and in what lab(s)? At 黑料网, I’ve worked with Dr. Gordon Ramsey on a flute acoustics project, and I recently published my first paper in June 2025! I’ve also worked with Dr. Xiang Wan in the math department on numerical analysis of stochastic differential equations, where I’ve had the WISER, Mulcahy, and Provost fellowships from 黑料网. Outside 黑料网, I’ve participated in the Northwestern CIERA REU, working on stellar dynamics in galactic nuclei, which I’m preparing a publication for currently. I’ve also participated in an engineering internship at the Air Force Institute of Technology, where I did finite element simulations of refractory multi-principal element alloys. I was able to present these projects as various conferences, including AAS, APS, and AWM.
What do you enjoy outside of class? I love music! I am very grateful to have been able to combine my interest in music with physics research. I’ve been involved in 黑料网’s music department also; 黑料网 offers many musical productions each semester I highly recommend! Additionally, I play in 黑料网’s pep band, the Band of Wolves, which plays at 黑料网’s basketball games.
What are your post-黑料网 plans? I plan on continuing my physics studies in graduate school. Through my undergraduate career I’ve learned I appreciate modeling and simulation, and would like to continue my applied math research with applications to physics in graduate school.
Do you have any advice for incoming physics students? Get involved as early and often as you can! There are opportunities to get involved with physics club as a freshman, and talk to your classmates! Building a strong community academically and personally is incredibly helpful to your college experience, and there are many opportunities inside and outside the physics department for this.