Apr 24
PHYS 123 "What do Physicists Do?": Week 1
Fri, April 24, 2026
• 3:30pm
- 4:30pm (1h) • AND 036
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to announce this year’s Physics 123 Line-up. “What Physicists Do” is our annual series of five lectures by invited speakers, many of whom are Carleton Physics alumni. It is intended to introduce students to a broad range of real-world physics and to give some perspective on the kinds of work done by people with a physics background. The course is open to all interested students; those considering a major in physics are particularly encouraged to enroll. Students who are unable to enroll are encouraged to attend the talks that fit their schedule.
The presentations are in AND 036 on Fridays during 6th period (3:30-4:30pm). The only requirement for registered students to receive credit, beyond attending five talks, is to read an assigned article beforehand and then to submit a short (one page) typed essay afterwards commenting on both the talk and the reading. Non-registered students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend any and all talks that fit your schedule! Speakers will be available for informal discussions over refreshments afterward. Questions: Arjendu Pattanayak, Olin 237, arjendu@carleton.edu
April 24th Grace Moret ‘10, Program Manager, BAE Systems
“Embracing Uncertainty, Maintaining Constants, and Always Considering Frame of Reference”
I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up, and I’ve decided not to figure it out. The story of my career is driven by enthusiasm, a short attention span, a need to be talking constantly, and a growing confidence that the next interesting problem is always on the horizon. From hard drive heads to defense contracting, from process engineering to program management, and everything in between: in this talk I will discuss the ways that my physics education has impacted my career explorations in the “real world” and provided a jumping off point that I am building on in ways I never would have expected.
Event Contact: arjendu@carleton.edu