Q&A with Chad Byrd
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
I chose the University of Mississippi as I believe it sets the academic standard in my state. On top of that it has a culture of fellowship and comradery that is unparalleled by its competitors, and it is located in arguably the best college town in the country.
I chose the University of Mississippi as I believe it sets the academic standard in my state. On top of that it has a culture of fellowship and comradery that is unparalleled by its competitors, and it is located in arguably the best college town in the country.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
Physics is one of the most challenging majors you can choose, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. You get the privilege of developing a better understanding of the universe, from particles to the galaxies, and that perspective changes how you see the world. More importantly, physics teaches you how to think. You learn how to break down complex problems, stay curious, and keep working even when the answer isn’t intuitive or obvious. Those skills are valuable and sought after in any industry.
Physics is one of the most challenging majors you can choose, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. You get the privilege of developing a better understanding of the universe, from particles to the galaxies, and that perspective changes how you see the world. More importantly, physics teaches you how to think. You learn how to break down complex problems, stay curious, and keep working even when the answer isn’t intuitive or obvious. Those skills are valuable and sought after in any industry.
Why is your department a special place?
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a special because of how strong the community is. Due to there being relatively few students in the department, and the collective challenge of our coursework, it feels like a family. This strong community extends to the faculty as well; every instructor in the department is very personable and truly cares about your development in physics.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a special because of how strong the community is. Due to there being relatively few students in the department, and the collective challenge of our coursework, it feels like a family. This strong community extends to the faculty as well; every instructor in the department is very personable and truly cares about your development in physics.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
Phys 317 (Modern Physics), which is a required course for the degree plan, had a huge impact on me as it was the first class I took that covered some of the concepts that made me fascinated in physics in the first place. My professor, Dr. Jake Bennett did a wonderful job at presenting the ideas with enthusiasm and in general I loved how he formatted the workload of the class.
Phys 317 (Modern Physics), which is a required course for the degree plan, had a huge impact on me as it was the first class I took that covered some of the concepts that made me fascinated in physics in the first place. My professor, Dr. Jake Bennett did a wonderful job at presenting the ideas with enthusiasm and in general I loved how he formatted the workload of the class.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I would have told myself to be more flexible, it is normal to change directions or majors, as college is really a place for you to figure out what you're passionate about.
I would have told myself to be more flexible, it is normal to change directions or majors, as college is really a place for you to figure out what you're passionate about.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
I plan on going straight into a PhD program for the purpose of one day being a tenure-track professor of physics at a University.
I plan on going straight into a PhD program for the purpose of one day being a tenure-track professor of physics at a University.
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