Pierce Hening

Majors: Physics, Music Production

Research Mentor: Dr. John Deisz

Pierce participated in full-time research during the summer of 2015 through a Swenson Summer Research Fellowship awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Studies.

What was your summer research project? Did you learn anything exciting?

My research was on the superconductivity of the material strontium ruthenate, specifically creating quantum simulations in order observe the behavior and characteristics of the material. Something exciting I learned in the process was how this material behave unconventionally compared to other known superconductors in that it exhibits half-flux states.

How did you get involved in doing research? What sparked your interest?

I was involved through my professor who also performed research on this in he graduate years. I applied for a research fellowship and for some reason I was chosen. I just wanted experience and had no idea this was what I was doing until I started working but found it extremely interesting.

How has doing physics research as an undergraduate enhanced your experience? Has it influenced your future goals?

It has definitely given me an advantage to those who have not done research like this. I wrote about 3,000 lines of code where in other situations at other schools the code is kind of handed to them where as i developed it from the ground up. Most physics student don’t perform this type of work until the graduate years and having it during my undergraduate education has prepared me for my future education and future work environments. It hasn’t inspired any future goals per say, but given me more confidence in attempting to reach my goals.

If you choose to pursue physics at the graduate level, do you feel well prepared for it? Why?

Yes, I feel more prepared because I know I can keep up with any type of work that comes my way. It has established a mind set for me that is fun. I like doing this kind of stuff, even though it is not directly related to my future interests, I love it. That is why I am a physics major. It is hard for me to even call it work because I have so much fun doing it.

Why did you choose to double major? How does your double major express who you are?

I love both physics and music production passionately, and I wanted a challenge that reflects my capabilities. My double major expresses my ideas about developing intelligence along with talent and a bit of charisma. I love to do what is unexpected, maybe even irregular, and surprise people with capabilities they didn’t know I had.

What is your career goal? How will your double major impact your career goal?

I realize my majors can lead to completely different careers. Fortunately I can further my education in both subjects as a graduate student. I do want to be a part of something that incorporates both the aesthetic and technology of music production with the theoretical and practical uses of physics.

What are you most passionate about in school? In life?

I am passionate about increasing my intelligence along with the wisdom to use it.  Also, my family, my friends, my relationship with a wonderful young woman, and with surfing coming in there somewhere.

Anything else you’d like to say about double majoring to prospective Cal Lutheran students?

If you plan on double majoring, especially in opposite disciplines, have your four-year schedule organized and ready by the end of your first semester. I’d be much better off if I’d taken a few classes earlier.

Olivia Marcey

Major: Global Studies, Political Science

Why did you choose to double major?

I chose to double major after participating in the CLU Program to study abroad in Oxford, England. Prior to this, I was much more focused on American government and politics, but developed a more holistic view of governance and interdependency between countries and regions while I was abroad. This piqued my interest in international affairs, so I decided to add a Global Studies major to expose myself to the study of new (to me, at least), complex issues I was becoming more and more passionate about.

How does your double major express who you are?

I think that I strive to achieve a broader understanding of the world around me, and how I fit into that world. I perceive the opportunity to double-major as a way for me to realize this goal. In addition, the complementary nature of Global Studies and Political Science allows me to view current issues and events through two distinct lenses, while still creating a cohesive and critical understanding of their significance.

What’s your career goal?

To specialize in international economic development, and build a career as an analyst or consultant for a bilateral or multilateral organization (i.e. United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Department for International Development (DID), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), World Bank), or to work in the Foreign Service.

How will your double major impact your career goal?

For my specific goals, it is important to have an understanding of world politics, economics, sociology etc. and to be able to use skills and knowledge developed through the study of these disciplines to manage a variety of potential professional responsibilities in the field. Political Science is an important part of this, but for me it was imperative to incorporate different areas of study into my academic “arsenal.” In particular, I think that the non-western focus and foreign language requirements of CLU’s Global Studies major will help me immensely in my future career in the international arena.

How do you manage the extra study load?

With an interdisciplinary major like Global Studies, it is relatively easy to find classes that will satisfy both a major and Core 21 requirement. For example, I am taking Current Issues in Marine Biology this semester with Dr. Huvard, and this counts as a science and major requirement. Other than that benefit, I was able to fulfill a large number of upper division Political Science requirements abroad.

Anything else you’d like to say about double majoring to prospective Cal Lutheran students?

If it seems like a feasible option for you in your academic pursuits, I don’t think there are really any drawbacks. It will only serve you well in the long run.

What are you most passionate about in school? In life?

I have found through my experience on the Oxford Program that participation in tutorial-like classes (one-on-one to three-on-one), or other personalized learning experiences are by far the most effective method of promoting critical thinking among students. Especially in courses within the social sciences (I’ve found), discussion-based learning allows for a deeper understanding of issues and collective problem solving. Some of my passions in life reflect my academic interests. I love to read and write, as well as discuss theory, current events and even somewhat far-fetched solutions to the problems facing future generations.