Claire Rogers

About Claire

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I felt that the small school and department size would allow me to get more out of my classes than a larger department would. A program where the professors got to know their students and the students could build close, supportive cohorts was appealing to me. When I visited the school, all of the professors that I talked to were incredibly friendly and supportive, and very invested in teaching.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

My physics and astronomy classes at Cal Poly Humboldt gave me a robust background in the material needed for starting a graduate degree. Additionally, I was able to work on research in the Physics department at Humboldt that helped me both narrow in on what research I wanted to do and get a familiarity with the process of scientific research. The Physics program provided me the skills and knowledge to continue in academia in astrophysics, but it also taught me how to find or build a network of support in an academic setting, how to teach physics and astronomy in a way that is accessible and supportive for your students, and what an effective mentor-mentee relationship looks like. The support I received from the faculty at Humboldt and the example that they set did just as much to prepare me for graduate school as the course material.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I built really positive, supportive connections with the faculty and the other students at Humboldt. All of my professors were very invested in their students' success and did everything they could to help us learn the material thoroughly. They were all very friendly and approachable throughout my time at Humboldt. The faculty members provided incredible mentorship and support as I progressed through the program, and my peers in the program formed a really positive cohort.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

The Humboldt Physics department is really incredible. The resources of a larger university might seem appealing, but you will get better support and better instruction from the Humboldt department than would be available at a larger school. The professors are invested in your success and well-being, and you will come out of the Humboldt physics program prepared for whatever you want to do with your physics degree.