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Physics Careers Seminar: "Wearing Many Different Hats: Working as a Lab Associate at a Liberal Arts College"

Event Type
Seminar/Symposium
Sponsor
Department of Physics
Virtual
wifi event
Date
Oct 23, 2020   12:00 pm  
Speaker
Dr. Mindy Rak, Physics and Engineering Lab Supervisor, Wheaton College
Contact
Lance Cooper
Views
26
Originating Calendar
Physics - Careers Seminar

Abstract: Do you find a job in academia appealing, but are not sure if you want to pursue a tenure-track faculty position? Asking myself the same question as a grad student led me to explore nontraditional, academic job options. In my talk, I hope to show you how working as a Lab Associate at a small, liberal arts college allows me to use the assortment of skills I developed during grad school in fun and unique ways. As a Lab Associate, I support the introductory physics labs, the engineering design lab, and the science division machine shop. If you enjoy interacting with undergraduate students, teaching labs, mentoring TA’s, and tinkering with equipment, then you may also enjoy a job like this!

Bio: Mindy Rak completed her PhD in Physics at the University of Illinois where she studied collective excitations using electron spectroscopy under Peter Abbamonte. After graduating in August 2019, she returned to her undergraduate institution of Wheaton College to work as the Physics & Engineering Lab Associate. Outside of work, Mindy enjoys spending time with her husband, going on walks, and visiting National Parks.

The Zoom link will be forwarded to the Illinois Physics Grad Student email list. For a copy of the link, please contact Lance Cooper (slcooper@illinois.edu).

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