Student Highlight: Michaela Hishon
Meet Michaela Hishon, a Physics student minoring in Neuroscience, who just finished her third year at U of G. We spoke with her about her involvement on campus and within the Department of Physics.
You are very involved with activities and societies on campus. Tell us about that and how it has impacted your student experience at U of G.
Being involved in the U of G community has really made a difference for me in my time here. I love feeling like I am not only a part of something bigger than myself, but I am also contributing to it! Groups like Interhall Council (U of G’s residence council) and the College of Engineering and Physical Science Student Council have helped me grow as a student leader and I’ve met some pretty awesome friends and mentors!
What made you want to get involved with content creation for Physics outreach?
I am really interested in physics education and outreach as well as science communication in general, so I had been looking for more ways to turn that into a career path. That’s when I saw the job posting for a work study position through physics outreach and knew that I would be the perfect fit! I have been able to help in developing outreach and educational materials and explore new video editing techniques which has given me so many amazing skills.
Tell me about a memorable moment you've experienced within your program and what made it so interesting.
The physics department has such a welcoming community of students, professors and staff that my most memorable moment in my program so far are the Physics Awards Nights. I always love seeing students and professors get the chance to interact with one another and get to celebrate student success at the same time!
Explain how you have changed from first year compared to now and the impact U of G had on that change.
I feel like I have changed so much since first year – especially in my ability to balance my work and life commitments from school, jobs and student groups. Being a part of such an amazing and welcoming student community has helped me get involved (and stay involved!) in student clubs and governments while also keeping up with my academics.
Did you ever have an 'AHA' moment in a lecture/lab? If so, tell me about it.
I think people often overlook the importance of problem solving and critical thinking. Whenever I wonder why I chose physics in the first place, I remember that I have learned so many transferable skills that can be used everywhere else in my life. I am reminded why I want to be studying physics education and outreach every time I am able to help others get to the solution of their problem or puzzle.