Dulcie Quinn

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Major & Minor
Major: Astronomy & Clarinet Performance
Minor: Physics

Hometown
Hong Kong and Santa Fe, NM

What made you choose your science major at this school?

• The astronomy program at U of A is one of the strongest in the country, which was a huge factor in my decision.

How hard were the intro science classes compared to high school?

• Not harder except in content, the pacing of most classes is done pretty well so it doesn't feel like too much at once.

Do professors actually teach, or are most classes taught by TAs?

• I've never had a class only taught by a TA, if anything TA's teach discussion or breakout sessions but the primary instructor has always been the professor.

How easy is it to get help if you’re struggling in a science class?

• Pretty easy, most professors will meet with you one on one if you need help, and there are always office hours. For some intro classes, there is also tutoring available at the college level.

When can students start doing research (freshman year or later)?

• Freshman year.

How did you get involved in research or labs?

• I got involved through the TIMESTEP apprenticeship program.

Are research opportunities competitive or fairly accessible?

• They can be a little bit competitive, but most people I know have been able to get opportunities if they want them.

Do students get paid for research or is it mostly for credit?

• Both, depending on what you want and depending on the research group/project.

What does a typical week look like for a science major?

• It really depends on the major, but for astronomy, it's usually lectures and a lot of independent homework. Astronomy has less labs than most other majors.

How much time do you actually spend studying?

• Pretty much all my free time.

What’s the hardest science class you’ve taken—and why?

• So far, intro quantum mechanics, but that was because the class really should have been two classes, so it was rushed.

What do you wish you had known before coming here?

• I wish I knew how much more fun upper division classes are compared to intro classes. It gets way better in the classes further along.

What clubs and/or organizations are you involved with?

• UA Wind Ensemble, Alpha Phi Gamma, Research at Steward Observatory

What are your future plans after graduation?

• Law School!