Olivia Culbert

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Major & Minor
Major: Astronomy
Minor: Physics

Hometown
Austin, MN

What made you choose your science major at this school?

• I knew that the astronomy department here was one of the best! #5 in government funding for research

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

• They were harder but definitely doable

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

• Professors lead the lectures and TAs provide valuable assistance in the classroom.

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

• Very easy! For the intro courses THINK tank is very useful, professors have office hours every week, and my department has a major specific study hall run by grad students who help with upper level courses.

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

• You can definitely get in somewhere your second year if you try hard! I think the summer after your sophomore year or later is more common for astronomy.

How did you get involved in research or labs?

• I asked a professor my second semester here if he would let me do research with him. I was doing grunt work for about a year until I did real research but it was worth it!

Are research opportunities competitive or fairly accessible?

• The research opportunities where everyone in the country are applying are more competitive but there are many groups that love taking undergraduates within the department. Those are definitely easier to get into since you don’t necessarily “apply” like you do with a REU

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

• You can do both! Most people do credit because it can fulfill requirements, but I do know people who get paid.

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

• Outside of classes there are two clubs I go to and a star gazing party that happens every week. I also study and hang out with friends.

How much time do you actually spend studying?

• To me, homework is included in studying. So I’d say 10-15 hours a week for a packed semester.

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

• There’s 2 that stand out to me as being hard, PHYS 204 and PHYS 321. I have heard that these are class that even professors don’t want to teach so they teach it badly and it ends up being a struggle for students. But you pass in the end and live to tell the tale!

What do you wish you had known before coming here?

• Go to professors office hours to build a relationship with them! They can be potential l writers for letters or recommendation and if they see your growth in their class they can write strong letters!

What clubs and/or organizations are you involved with?

• I’m involved in astronomy club and physics club, I am a college of science ambassador (obvi), and I started a peer mentorship program for new astronomy and physics students!

What are your future plans after graduation?

• I am going to graduate school to earn my PhD in observational astronomy research!