Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Aurora Wilde

This spring, the College of Science recognized 12 outstanding seniors for their contributions in and out of the classroom. Aurora Wilde is this semester's recipient from Physics!

The College of Science caught up with Aurora to learn more about her experiences at the University of Arizona and what is on the horizon after graduation.

Why did you choose to study in your specific department/major?

I love that physics is really an exercise in creative problem solving. I love that no two problems are ever exactly the same and that each requires a unique approach. I have lots of other interests, so choosing a college major was hard for me. Ultimately, I recognized that physics gave me the best platform to keep learning well beyond my time at the UofA.

Tell me about a class or research project you really enjoyed.

I spent a summer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory investigating the relationship between galaxies and the supermassive black holes they host. I used the ALMA telescope in Chile to image five massive galaxies from when the universe was only a billion years old. The ALMA data sees the galaxies, so I also used James Webb Space Telescope data which only sees the black holes. I found that all these black holes were centrally located in their galaxies, meaning these galaxies are surprisingly well organized. This tells us that galaxies found their balance much earlier in cosmic history than we previously thought. I loved working on research full time and am excited to keep exploring the galaxy-black hole relationship.

What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?

Last Fall I attended a casting for the UA TREND 2026 student-led fashion show and was cast as a model. Learning to walk a runway, work with student designers, and perform with confidence in an intimidating environment pushed me to grow in very different ways than my degree has. I had so much fun developing a new creative skillset and making friends in a new campus community.

What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at UA?

I am very proud to have a publication in the Astrophysical Journal (and hopefully a second one very soon!), awards as a preceptor for the Math department, and a strong GPA. However, I am just as proud to have improved my ballet technique every semester here, held several volunteer leadership positions at my church, coordinated astronomy outreach events in my community, and participated in Physics department committees to improve the department. I am proud to say my time at UA has pushed me to grow not only as a student, but also as a community member, scientist, educator, and person.

What is next for you after graduation?

I am thrilled to be attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a physics PhD student in the Fall. I plan to work with Dr. Christina Eilers to keep exploring the relationship between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies in the early universe.