We all have an idea what comes to mind when we think of someone wanting to do physics! That imagine is even more stereotyped when we think of theoretical physics (Big Bang theory did not help the image here at all). Well, not all physicists or physics students fit that image, and 4th year Physics and Astronomy student Jessica Jago is anything but a stereotypical physics student. We caught up with Jessica and asked her:
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, and what program are you in?
JJ: I was raised in Brantford and I'm a 4th year Physics and Astronomy student
Why did you decide to go to Waterloo?
JJ: My original plan was not to go to Waterloo. I had been in air cadets for years and had planned on attending the RMC because I thrived in the environment. Of course, I had to have a few backup plans, so I applied to some other schools as well - Waterloo being of them. Throughout my senior year of high school, a couple things occurred that swayed me towards Waterloo. The most relevant being that I fell in love with theoretical physics (thanks to Carlo Rovelli) and my application to RMC was delayed because some files were lost. So, I had to weigh the pros and cons of the two opportunities. At RMC, I was able to obtain a degree in physics, but I couldn't pursue a career in research in the military. However, at Waterloo, I was able to study theoretical physics starting in first year (as opposed to general science), the coop program made Waterloo more attractive over other civilian universities, and I'd have the perk of being close to Perimeter Institute. I recently completed 8 months of research at PI, and it was amazing!
When did you know you wanted to take physics, and why?
JJ: My dad and science classes were very influential in my decision to pursue a career in physics. I think the 6th grade was the first time I ever mentioned getting a PhD in a scientific field.
Was there a teacher in high school that really encouraged/influenced/you to take physics.
JJ: Not really any teacher but my dad. He has always shared my passion for science (He is a nuclear medicine technician) and really guided me towards physics through our conversations and the media he'd share growing up.
It’s no secret that it’s still a struggle for girls going into physics. Did you find this was the case for you in high school or so far at UW?
JJ: It is absolutely still a struggle being a woman in physics. Not only is it incredibly intimidating going into a field that is still heavily male dominated, but being a multi-passionate student (cadets, triathlon, art), it was difficult being taken seriously by my peers. I'll also add that the "pretty dumb blonde" stereotype didn't help my case either.
Why Theoretical Physics?
JJ: I have always been that person who accidentally trips at night because I get caught up in the stars. Stargazing puts my existence into perspective, it's comforting to know that there is so much uncertainty out in the universe because it makes not understanding everything a little less scary. This uncertainty is why I love physics, I find it beautiful that there will always be something for us to learn, we find new questions more often than we find answers. Maybe it’s a bit weird, but I’m also obsessed with the concept of time. This originally came from a movie I watched called Mr. Nobody. It's really interesting that I like theoretical physics because to be honest I struggle with math.
Do you have a specific goal for after your B.Sc. degree? Grad school? Job? Do you have a long-term goal in Physics?
JJ: Like I said, I know since 6th grade that I wanted to do a PhD, but right now I’m not sure about long term goals. I do want to be able to maintain a reasonable work-life balance and want to choose a career that will allow for that.
Besides physics what do you do with your time? What other interests/hobbies/goals (long and short term)do you have?
JJ: This is a loaded question for me, as I've been getting, "Jess what don't you do?" since I was a kid. I have always been a very well-rounded person; arts, athletics and academics have shaped the person I am. Artistically, I have been a trained pianist, saxophonist, and vocalist. Visual arts are also very important to me, sculpture is one of my favourite creative outlets. I am also an athlete, I have basically been swimming my entire life, I swam competitively through my youth and then started coaching, instructing, lifeguarding, and training for triathlons (something I am planning on getting back to now). I was also involved in the cadet program for 7 years, which was one of the best choices of my life as it molded me into the person I am today and taught me many lessons.
How do you manage to balance your workload between your studies and other interests?
JJ: That has been a continuous struggle. Even being in 4th year, I’m only just now learning to find work/life balance and realizing how important that is.
What advice would you have for students going into physics? Any specific advice for girl students?
JJ: Figure out how you learn. Everyone learns differently and profs will only teach one (or maybe a few ways) not everyone will be similarly receptive to the way they are taught and, in the end, you will be teaching yourself fairly often. As far as special advice for girls, just don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it - because you can!
What do you really like about UW Physics and Astronomy?
JJ: I really like the variety/depth of classes. For example, learning about relativity in first year. Was super cool. I also really like the physics student community that exists at UW and I’m excited about affiliation with PI. I loved working at PI for one of my coop terms.
What do you NOT really like about UW Physics and Astronomy?
JJ: I don’t think this is about UW, but rather studying physics in general. Sometimes the profs seem to focus too much on the math and not the concepts. I really like the conceptual aspects and find it exciting. When the material gets presented as only some mathematical formula without insight into the physics it is less interesting and more difficult.
