You’re working hard toward that physics degree and are starting to wonder just what comes next. Physics isn’t just lab work or analyzing theories. It’s possible to use physics to study lasers, help create powerful new X-rays or explore cosmic rays. You may even decide to share your knowledge through a career of teaching up-and-coming scientists. Perhaps you’ll find that dream job in a part of the world you’ve always wanted to visit.
Experimenting with Particle Astrophysics in Hawaii
Your interest in physics may lead you to the Aloha State. The University of Hawaii at Manoa, located on the island of Oahu, does work in the field of Particle Astrophysics, with an emphasis on high energy particles and development of microwave frequency and radio detectors of neutrinos and cosmic rays. Some of the projects the university has been involved in include the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna, funded by NASA; the South Pole’s Askaryan Radio Array, currently being constructed; and the ExaVolt Antenna, or EVA, another NASA project intended as part of an ultra-high energy sub-orbital observatory. All this scientific fun is just minutes from famed Waikiki Beach.
Experiment with Lasers in South West England
The Central Laser Facility, part of the Experimental Science Group at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is conducting experiments with combining the brightness of lasers with X-rays. Using the high-powered Gemini and Vulcan lasers to create highly charged electrons, these electrons create X-rays as they move through matter. Various uses for such enhanced laser X-rays will be explored. This type of work does require a doctorate degree, but sometimes they’ll recruit interns to assist. The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is in Oxfordshire, near the town of Didcot. It’s rural in nature, accessible by car, train, bus or on the network of bicycle pathways that criss-cross the area.
Explore Theoretical Astrophysics in French Flavored Montreal
McGill University, an English-language facility sitting on the edge of Montreal’s Mt. Royal Park, does an extensive amount of work in Theoretical Astrophysics. The McGill Astrophysics group’s studies include nuclear astrophysics, neutron stars, radio pulsars, exoplanets, observing multi-wavelengths of magnetars and exploring the very beginnings of the universe. Studies in early universe cosmology are conducted along with the university’s high-energy theory group. The Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, or CITA, occasionally offers National Postdoctorate Fellowships based at McGill. Spending time in Montreal gives you the chance to experience French culture without leaving North America. The city is also known for its jazz and movie festivals.
Share Your Knowledge Down Under
Perhaps your dream is to share your love of science with others. The South Australian Science Teachers Association, or SASTA,recruits science teachers on an ongoing basis to teach at schools throughout the state. Currently they have about 500 members teaching in all year levels. Based in Hindmarsh, South Australia, SASTA provides a support group for the scientific community. During the school’s holiday season, SASTA offers student revision seminars in physics at Eynesbury Senior College in Adelaide, aimed to supplement studies during the normal school year. Adelaide is South Australia’s capital, the fifth largest city in the country, and is surrounded by park land. South Australia for the most part is lightly populated, sitting just west of New South Wales. Getting posted in certain areas of the province provides an authentic outback experience.
Think outside the box when figuring out where you want your physics career to lead. Combine your love of science with an interest in travel and an adventurous spirit and you may end up chasing galaxies in a country very different than your own. The world awaits, with other cultures and other continents offering opportunities for talented people just like you.
