Prize Recipient

Joy Chavez

Background:

My interest in physics arose from my love of astronomy. Throughout childhood I poured over astronomy books and articles, dreaming of what it would be like to be an astronaut. In high school, as I considered a career as an astronomer/astronaut, I learned that a degree in physics provided the best background; so I turned my focus more to physics and math. In my home schooling course, I took on extra math so that I was able to take Honors Calculus II at the local community college this past semester. I read physics books, attended the physics colloquia at the University of Texas at Dallas, and sought out research opportunities last summer and this summer. I have been active in the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas for three years volunteering at public education events, teaching the children at the monthly business meetings, and absorbing all the current astronomical research I could from the guest speakers. This fall I will attend the University of Houston double majoring in physics and math, ultimately pursuing a Ph.D. in astronomy. With this education, I hope to become an astronaut or astronomical researcher and share the wonders of our universe through educational outreach at planetariums, churches, schools, and other public events, inspiring in others a passion to know the universe and the creator.