How She Became A Physicist

What does it really mean to become a physicist? In this video interview series, we will discuss the journey and realities of finding a place in physics.

Morgan Cole and Elena Vasquez are students at Yale and Harvard University studying physics. They share their experiences and offer the audience advice on the journey and representation in the community, inspiring many.

Our Interview Questions Included:

• Can you start by introducing yourself (who you are and what you do)?
• Where are you from, and where are you currently based or working?
• How did your journey in physics begin? Do you remember a specific moment or experience that first made you curious about how the universe works?
• Where did you go to school, and how did your educational experience influence your path in physics?
• What kind of research or work do you do now, and what excites you most about it?
• What has your experience been like as a female physicist (in classrooms, labs, or the broader community)?
• Have you ever felt underestimated or treated differently because of your gender or background?
• What changes would you like to see in how physics communities or schools support girls and underrepresented groups?
• What advice would you give to girls who love physics but don’t yet see many people like themselves in the field?
• Many students feel like they’re not “smart enough” for physics. Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome, and how did you overcome it?
• What helped you regain confidence when you doubted your abilities, or when physics felt overwhelming?
• What inspired you to start sharing physics with the public or online audiences?
• Do you see outreach more as part of being a scientist or more of a passion project?
• Who or what has inspired you the most throughout your physics journey?
• If you could share one message with the next generation of physicists, what would it be?