Kanani Lee (written in 2005):

"Studying physics at USF was a rewarding experience.  Small classes and individual attention from the professors allow a tailored experience and an ideal environment to learn physics.  Not only do you get a strong foundation in physics but with the varied backgrounds of the professors, you are able to explore other, more specialized fields.  Earning a bachelors degree in Physics from USF gives you many choices and opportunities for future graduate studies."

Note: Kanani graduated in 1999. She completed her Ph.D. in  Geophysics at University of California, Berkeley in 2003, and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology.  In 2006, she will begin an assistant professorship in the Physics Department at New Mexico State University.

Alexandra Polosukhina (written in 2005):

"When I entered USF and joined the physics department, I was a little intimidated by its small size.  However, I realized that such atmosphere gave me an opportunity to dive into physics ways I had only imagined possible.  The amazing class selection ranging from Computational Neuroscience to General Relativity, gives students an opportunity not only to submerge into something new and exciting, but also introduces them to possible career paths available. If any student doesn’t comprehend something, the professors and classmates are always there to help (at any time of the night).  Also, such close collaborations between students and faculty provide priceless life long friendships and career connections. This physics education strongly prepared me for my Undergraduate Research that I participated in this summer; where I felt that I had enough background and knowledge to confidently involve myself in my project. I am grateful that I am attending this school and majoring in physics, because I feel confident that by the time I graduate I will be prepared to tackle any life or scientific problems!"

Note: Alexandra is currently (2005) a junior at the Physics Department.

Mary Beth Hughes (written in 2005):

"To me, what sets the Physics department at USF apart from other schools I looked at is its size. Unlike the situation at most larger schools, the department at USF is small enough that the professors and students have close interactions and each student receives individualized attention. On the other end of the scale, unlike at many smaller schools, at USF the professors are also actively involved in research in a variety of areas of Physics. This gives students the chance to do research as an undergraduate -- an opportunity that is invaluable for many career paths.

The education I received at USF prepared me for doctoral work at a top academic institution. But what I'm finding to be just as important is the connections I made with the professors, who continue to be mentors for me, and my fellow USF Physics graduates. I don't think similar connections could have been made at just any department in any school so I'm glad I chose to study Physics at USF!"

Note: Mary Beth graduated in 2003 (physics and math). She is currently (2005) pursuing her Ph.D. in Applied Physics at Harvard University.

Clementina Russo (written in 2003):

"The physics department at the University of San Francisco is minute in population density, primarily because USF is not seemingly noted as an institution rich in undergraduate sciences. I don't think that such is an adequate representation. Studying physics in this department for the past few years has been an experience quite nonpareil. My classes were small, like 4 or 5 for some upper division courses, so there was room to change and adapt the layout of the course accordingly. This usually meant we learned more than what was intended for the normal scope of the class. Which is excellent. And, I could ask a professor whatever ridiculous question pertaining to the nature of the universe that I so chose and he would answer it. Which is also excellent!"

Note: Clementina graduated in 2003. She is currently (2005) pursuing her Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Maine.

Steven Niewiarowski (written in 2000):

"USF is a great place to study physics. The physics department is a close knit group of people working in an atmosphere of active learning. There are only about thirty five students currently majoring in physics, allowing them to know each other and the professors very well. Receiving individual attention is as easy as raising my hand. Professors are very enthusiastic about students learning and doing well. They roll up their sleeves to help us out in labs and are available to meet with us whenever we need help.
Physics can be a great joy to study for the way it orders the beauty of nature. Henri Poincare said: "The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; he studies it because he delights in it, and he delights in it because it is beautiful. If nature were not beautiful, it would not be worth knowing, and if nature were not worth knowing, life would not be worth living."

Note: Steve graduated in 2000. He is currently (2005) an USAF figther pilot.

Michael Shane Bowen (written in 1999):

"I feel that the most valuable aspect of studying physics at USF is the accessibility of the professors. They are always available to answer all questions. In addition, there is a very relaxed atmosphere in the department, so that talking to them is both fun and easy. Also, because class enrollment is usually very small, particularly in upper-division courses, professors and students have the chance to get to know each other on a personal level, and student's progress is thus maximized. You never finish a course with unanswered questions. Besides getting a superb physics education, I believe I am creating an extended network of friends and future colleagues, which includes not only my fellow students, but also the physics faculty".

Note: Shane graduated in 1999. He completed his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of California, San Diego, in 2004. He is currently (2005) on a postdoctoral position in Boulder, Colorado.

Kerryann Foley (written in 1999):

"The University of San Francisco is a wonderful place to study physics. I know I have received an education in physics comparable to that of any better known university, but I have received much more attention in the process. Classes are small and the teachers are wonderful, young and excited about teaching. The other students are interesting and we spend a lot of time doing group work together. The school is set right in the heart of San Francisco so there is always something exciting to do. I had always planned on going to graduate school and so I decided that I would rather spend my undergraduate time at a school I loved than fighting for the classes I wanted at a larger school. And going to USF has had a huge effect on the number of graduate schools I have been accepted to!
Getting a bachelor's degree in physics from any institution gives you many future options, from teaching to industry, business to graduate school, and I completely believe that the University of San Francisco is a great place to go!"

Note: Kerryann graduated in 1999. She is currently (2005) pursuing her Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics at Cornell University.

Ben Pecjak (written in 1999):

"Browsing through our web page, you will notice that the Physics Department at USF prides itself in promoting close contact between students and professors. This, in fact, is no joke: the intimacy of the Physics Department is like no other at USF. Speaking from personal experience, two or three dedicated professors are worth a million who consider themselves too important, or are simply too busy, to help students. Thus, a small department offers advantages that no larger school can offer, with no sacrifice in the quality of education. A wide selection of courses, taught by unusually talented professors, give you a special place to study Physics.
If you want to pursue stimulating studies in a unique setting, come to USF!"

Note: Ben graduated in 1999. He completed his Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics at Cornell University in 2004, and he is currently (2005) on a postdoctoral position in Germany.