Although physics research is often conducted outside the public limelight, this hasn’t deterred University junior Courtney Klosterman from spending college immersed in it. And after three years, she is finally receiving some major attention.
In March, Klosterman was one of 275 science, math and engineering undergraduate students from schools across the nation accorded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship — an award for which 1,095 applied.
“I was in shock,” she said of winning the scholarship. “It’s such a huge honor.”
University physics professor Stephen Kevan, who initially nominated Klosterman after she worked with him as a lab assistant, said there were a number of students in the physics department who, like Klosterman, had over a 4.1 grade point average.
But because of her contribution to physics research on campus, Klosterman caught the professor’s attention.
“I love doing the research,” Klosterman said. “You have to push yourself through your goals, but if you stick with it, it can pay off.”
And with the $7,500 awarded to her through the scholarship for her remaining year of college, Klosterman is now enjoying the fruits of her labor. She is one of four University students nominated this year. To even be considered for the scholarship, applicants must have a minimum “B” grade point average and be in the top 25 percent of their class.
“This is a student that we want to put forward for awards like this,” Kevan said. “She’s very promising.”
And for Klosterman, the work is about more than winning awards or bolstering her resume. It is about helping people, she said.
Since the fall, Klosterman has worked with Kevan researching ways to make solar cells — mechanisms used in the production of solar panels — cheaper and more efficient.
“If we can get them more efficient and effective, they can be more widely used,” Klosterman said.
The burgeoning physicist also said the research she has done with professor Kevan is precisely the kind of work she hopes to accomplish in the future within her field of study.
“I want to do research that has a defined cause behind it and that will be beneficial to everyone,” Klosterman said. “(With physics) you learn about things you never thought possible.”
After graduating, Klosterman plans to attend graduate school to further her research on physics’ application to environmental protection. With the Goldwater Scholarship backing her, Klosterman likely has her pick of universities. Because of its strict qualifications and limited number of recipients, the scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious in the country.
The award’s prestige could have bigger implications for the entire University, in that having such accomplished individuals within its ranks will put the school’s science departments on par with the Ivy League — several members of which also received the honor.
“We’re always glad when students win awards like this,” Kevan said. “This is a big deal for us.”
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