At BYU-Idaho, the Physics Department is about more than equations; it’s a place where discipleship and academic excellence meet.
Evan Hansen, Physics Department chair, and Brian Palmer, a student studying physics, sat down with Natalia Hepworth to talk about how the department’s unique approach helps shape BYU-Idaho students into disciple leaders.
The Department of Physics offers a variety of bachelor’s degrees including Physics: Astronomy, Physics: Engineering, Physics Education, Physics: Mathematical, Physics: Chemistry, Physics: Medical, Physics: Biophysics, Physics: Pre-Medical, Physics: Geophysics and Physics: Computational.
Palmer transferred from Virginia Tech University and said BYU-Idaho’s Physics Department has uniquely prepared him to thrive academically and spiritually.
“And so here, not only do they do really well at explaining to us, you know, the physics and the math, but they allow us to kind of come into our own in our personality wise and be able to be confident in sharing our passions,” Palmer said.
The department faculty members work intentionally to help every student succeed. Faculty members meet weekly to check progress and provide personal support to students. Especially freshmen, who are not only new to navigating college but also new to the difficult academic load that is a Physics degree. From day one, new students find a sense of community and mentorship through the Student Physics Society and faculty members who truly care.
Internships at places like the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and UC Davis provide students with real-world experiences that often surpass those of some professors. Through these opportunities, students learn how to learn, becoming confident problem solvers and passionate learners.
The professors also make sure to bring in the gospel of Jesus Christ when they teach about physics.
“I think the most spiritual major is physics, because you really get to understand the way that God works,” Palmer said.
“The best physics students are the best disciples of Christ,” Hansen said.
The Department of Physics mission is clear: to prepare BYU-Idaho students who are not only skilled physicists but strong disciples of Christ.
Learn more about the Department of Physics.
You can watch or listen to this episode of the Fulfilling the Mission podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. The episode is also available below.