I had the opportunity to pursue undergraduate research in physics while at UMass Dartmouth. I learned to work with computational models of Type Ia supernovae, and I soon began to travel to scientific conferences and workshops in Vancouver, Chicago, Atlanta, and Long Beach.  

My work also gave me the background I needed to be accepted for graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Astronomy. There, I hope to continue studying supernovae or related phenomena, such as dark energy, with computational and observational methods.

My greatest challenge at UMass Dartmouth has been balancing my research and my regular coursework. It's very demanding, but also highly rewarding.

Undergraduate research opportunities are more readily available than you might think. If you're interested in doing research, reach out to your professors and ask if there are any projects you can do with them.

I would like to thank my research advisor, Professor Fisher; my supervisor in my first research program, Professor Gottlieb; and all of the other faculty members and mentors who made my success possible.