Prize Recipient

Steven Ojeda

Background:

My name is Steven Ojeda and I will be a sophomore at MIT, double majoring in Physics and Aerospace Engineering. I am originally from Southern California and attended Mission Viejo High School where I was first enlightened&I mean, took my first physics class. I never asked for much, though others would say my curiosity always starved for more. Fortunately for me (and probably others), I became inspired. In fact, I was inspired to study physics the moment my high school instructor gave me a book called *Surely Youre Joking, Mr. Feynman.* It wasnt until then that I realized the beauty in our worlds intricate, yet sometimes overlooked mechanisms. I was astonished to see how the lessons I once learned in class suddenly meant much more in actual life. Now, I am working on a satellite in the Space Systems Lab at MIT, and am still impressed with the physical applications.  Come next term, I will be a teachers assistant for a mechanics class and will finally have the chance to share my fascination and appreciation of applied physics with others. It is an honor to be recognized by the American Physical Society, and I am pleased with the support and inspiration I have received. Just like my high school teacher once did, I aspire in inspire.