Nicole M. Gillespie, Ph.D. Student Cognition and Development: Education in Math, Science, and Technology Major: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, US Naval Academy / M.S., Physics, Univ. of Washington Career Plans: Teaching and research in physics education Home: Brookfield, CT.

"The EMST research groups get you involved in research from your very first semester, and teach you about the process of research better than any class ever could."

My reasons for choosing Berkeley:
I chose Berkeley mainly because of the faculty. There were quite a few people here whose work I really respected, and I wanted the chance to be able to work with them. There were also people in the Physics Department who were interested in education, so there were opportunities there as well.

What I like most about my program:
The research groups are the best part of the EMST program. They vary quite a bit in content and style, but all of them give you a chance to discuss your own projects with people and receive feedback. They also get you involved in research from your very first semester, and teach you about the process of research better than any class ever could.

My relationship with my advisor:
I greatly appreciate having the opportunity to work on research projects with my advisor, as well as having his support and encouragement to pursue my own interests. This is one of the few graduate programs where you can come in and define your own research project, instead of having to work on a piece of your advisor's research for a dissertation. From what I've seen, this is pretty much unheard of in graduate school. We're very lucky in that way.

How I combine research with practice:
I have a Graduate Student Instructor position in the Physics Department, and I've been working on developing and teaching new curricula for one of their classes. I'm constantly trying to evaluate my teaching and how my students learn in light of theory, as well as trying to use my teaching (and learning) experiences in physics to make sense of and critique educational research.

My advice to prospective students:
There are a lot of opportunities here, but you have to be willing to go knock on doors and ask for them. No one is going to come looking for you. Also, be prepared to be overwhelmed your first year. It's easy to come here thinking, "I've been around school most of my life, I have a pretty good idea of what education is all about." However, you quickly realize how complex the issues are and wind up feeling completely lost. But by venting those feelings with other students, you realize you're not the only one who has felt that way. And it's not long before you've regained your confidence and equilibrium.

 

 

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