Prize Recipient

Dionne Rossiter

Background:

I was born and raised in San Jose, California. I attended Santa Teresa High where Mr. Dave Haggerty first introduced me to physics. I had always done exceptionally well in math but had never really been interested in any particular subject. Mr. Haggerty made it possible for me to explore physics outside of the classroom and to learn more than the necessity. I soon realized I had more devotion, more anticipation, and more determination to learn physics than I ever had with any other subject. I entered Arizona State University still uncertain about the direction of my education.

My sister, just a year older than I, is also a science major and I had the opportunity to watch her work in a real lab setting. It made me dream about what was in store for me and how much potential I had, but no focus. I soon came to the realization that my future lied in physics. Since then, I have not let anything get in my way of doing my best in college or my major. This fall, I will be attending the University of California, Berkeley. I have always known a California school was where my future lied and I am so happy to be returning to the Bay Area to continue my undergraduate degree. With given time, I will earn my Ph.D. in Physics and become a professor at the university, while continuing my research.