Major: Physics

Class Year: Junior
Hometown: Hanover, PA

With a strong interest in science, Colleen decided to become a physics major after taking physics in high school. Millersville University was her school of choice because of its strong science programs. Colleen feels that she has been able to form great relationships with her professors. The professors from her freshman year still remember her. The low student-to-faculty ratio, she says, helps in being able to form relationships between students and their professors. She enjoys the fact that her classes are geared toward undergraduates and are very student-oriented.

Colleen initially wanted to get involved in physics education but, feeling that she might be limited to only teaching, chose to become a general physics major. As her academic experiences at Millersville grew, she reaffirmed that she did in fact want to pursue physics education. The knowledge and experience she gained from the physics program helped to reestablish her interest in teaching and strengthened her confidence that she is able to teach physics to others.

Besides her success in a modern physics class that she found to be challenging but rewarding, Colleen keeps busy with the Physics Club. She tutors three hours a week as a physics group tutor and finds it very fulfilling to help others increase their understanding of physics. Colleen received the George Stauffer Award for physical science this past year. She is also in the Honors College, an opportunity that has provided a strong sense of community with other students with similar academic interests.

Following graduation, Colleen plans to earn her teaching certificate so that she may teach high school physics. Eventually, she would like to pursue teaching in higher education, passing down her positive experiences to future undergrads. To prospective Millersville students: "Take advantage of the opportunities offered to you and work hard. Give it all you've got."