Taylor Walters

I am currently going into my final year of my undergraduate study in Physics and Physics Teaching at the University of Northern Iowa as a super senior! I originally started as Chemistry Education, but I realized after two years of my academic career that I truly missed learning about physics. Since the decision to pursue physics, I have had several opportunities to grow both educationally and professionally. I have held several science tutoring positions helping students ranging from kindergarten to college students succeed in their science knowledge and courses while sharpening my own skills. I have also conducted research for the past two years in thin film materials science, and I have had the wonderful opportunity to present my research several times to the student body, other undergraduate students, and soon the Iowa General Assembly as a research honoree at Iowa's state capitol building. 

My SPS journey has also been far from inactive. During my sophomore year, I recognized that our physics department was lacking an active student group where undergraduate physics students could grow in community, research, and professional development. With the help of other faculty and students, I was able to present a vision to restore and revitalize the university's SPS chapter. Today, several students have been more involved in research, coming together in community to build new friendships, and actively participating in outreach to educate the public of all ages using demonstrations of unique physical concepts. As Co-President, the club also succeeded greatly in professional development by sending a large group of students to tour FermiLab National Laboratory as well as sending a few students to experience PhysCon 2019, where I also had the honor to present my research at the poster session.

I am constantly in awe of the possibilities that have come across my plate, and I look forward to continuing these pursuits and skills through this position. If there is one thing I would want you to take away from my experience is that I am highly driven and passionate about what I do!