South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, United States
I knew early on that I wanted to be a physicist. The space program had a big influence on me, and the space shuttle. Outer space is always something I was fascinated with as a kid. It was a question of becoming an astronaut or a physicist. As I grew older, I didn’t think it was a smart idea to become an astronaut, sitting on a big pile of explosives and being very trusting. So I became a physicist. But I also have a degree in film-making, and I play the piano. I made 16mm films for fun. Seeing every frame, going back and forth, synchronizing sound – it all involved a lot of love for detail, being very precise, and detailed planning and logistics so that things can get done when you want them to get done. If I didn’t enjoy things like that, I wouldn’t enjoy a career in physics. You could have an easier life. It only makes sense if you are interested in doing it.