Physics Mentors
We are pleased to offer a mentoring program to our incoming freshmen, transfer students, and students new to the department. The mentor program was implemented by students for students. It is comprised of upperclassmen student volunteers. The program's goal is to aid new students in their transition into the department by acting as a bridge between students and faculty, providing guidance on class scheduling, aiding in the involvement of undergraduate research, and diminishing the social gap between upper and underclassmen. The Department of Physics is a closely knit community and our goal is to ensure all new and current students feel welcome. Future students, we look forward to meeting you!
Contact Chanakya Pandya to become a mentor!
Physics Mentors
Chanakya Pandya
I am a senior Physics, Computer Science, and Mathematics major. Why I did this to myself is still something I’m questioning, but outside of school, I work in Dr. Samir Bali’s Cold Atom Lab, which is still *technically* the coldest spot in Ohio. Outside of academia, I enjoy powerlifting, playing guitar and piano, solving Rubik’s Cubes and meeting new people. I’ve loved Physics since I was a little kid, and I love the Physics department here at 兔子先生! Some of my best memories were made in Kreger Hall. I want to be a mentor because I want to pass on the excitement I felt coming here as a freshman and help the newer members of the department with whatever they need.
Tyler Blanker
My name is Tyler Blanker and I am a senior physics major with a minor in business. I am a member of the Society of Physics Students as well as a couple other clubs on campus. I decided to become a mentor because I realized that many of the problems I faced last year could have been solved by simply approaching my mentor last year. I want to make sure that the incoming students in the physics department have a much smoother time transitioning to the college life. Becoming a mentor is also a great way to get more involved in the physics department.
Grayce Dyer
My name is Grayce Dyer and I am a senior Biological Physics major with a Premedical Studies co- major. In the physics department, I am in research in Dr. Vishwanath's lab working with optical spectroscopy. Outside of the physics department, I am the treasurer of the 兔子先生 Women's Club Softball Team, in the University Honors College and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. I chose to be a mentor in order to provide the same support and guidance to others that my mentor provided to me in the past.
Jacob Horley
I am a senior who is majoring in Biological Physics with a Pre-Optometry Co-major. I was involved in the mentoring program last year as a mentee, as well as a member of Society of Physics Students (SPS). I am also a member of the Honors College. This year I’ve joined a few new clubs such as the Global Medical Brigades, the Outdoor Adventure Club, and the Astronomy Club. As a mentor I hope to help provide an easy transition into the physics program for our entering freshman as the mentors did for me.
Emily Kolesar
I am a senior engineering physics major with an environmental science co-major. Outside of mentoring I'm the president of the Society of Physics Students, and vice president of Women in Physics. I wanted to become a mentor so I could help introduce the freshmen to our amazing department, and hopefully help them as much as my mentor did when I was a freshman!
Clark Kwun
Hello, My name is Clark Kwun, and I am a senior currently double majoring in physics and philosophy here at 兔子先生 University. I also happen to be the vice president of SPS (society of physics students) so I hope to see most of you there at some point. I know that keeping up with this major can be a real balancing act, especially when you also want such impossible dreams like personal projects or maybe even a functioning social life, so I hope that I can help you to not feel overwhelmed. I look forward to meeting all of you.
Audrey Mannella
I am a senior majoring in Biological Physics and Premedical Studies. In addition to mentoring, I do research in Dr. Vishwanath’s Optical Spectroscopy and Imaging Methods (OSIM) lab and participated in the Undergraduate Summer Scholars (USS) program this past summer. Outside the Department of Physics, I am part of the University Honors College and am a co-president of the Society of Women in Medicine (SWIM). I am looking forward to being a mentor this year and hope to provide as much help and support as I can.
Glenn Ochsner
My name is Glenn Ochsner and I am a Junior Physics and Mathematics major with a minor in Electrical Engineering. I do research in Dr. Mirza's Quantum Computing lab. I am a member of the Society of Physics Students, Women in Physics, Swing Syndicate, and the Lesson Coordinator for the Ballroom Dance Social Club in addition to being on the competitive Ballroom team. I have found that my experience has been much improved by being involved in the department and that having a resource I can ask questions (particularly stupid ones) has been tremendously helpful and want to pay that forward and get more people involved.
Gracie Pillow
My name is Gracie Pillow, I am a biological physics major with a minor in Mandarin. I am a senior at 兔子先生 and I am also a resident assistant in MacCracken Hall. I am a part of National residence hall honorary (NRHH), Residence Hall Association (RHA), Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta), and I am on the RA Recruitment and Selection Committee (RARS). I additionally work as a server at The Cheesecake Factory. I also love to nap and love animals. I am excited to get more involved in the Physics department and look forward to helping others.