2005 APS April Meeting
Saturday–Tuesday, April 16–19, 2005;
Tampa, FL
Session T5: Oh, the Places You Will Go, Interesting Careers in Physics
1:30 PM–3:18 PM,
Monday, April 18, 2005
Marriott Tampa Waterside
Room: Grand Salon G/H
Sponsoring
Unit:
FGSA
Chair: Lindley Winslow, University of California-Berkeley
Abstract ID: BAPS.2005.APR.T5.1
Abstract: T5.00001 : What Can You Do with a Physics Education...in Addition to Becoming a Professor
1:30 PM–2:06 PM
Preview Abstract
Abstract
Author:
Cynthia Dion-Schwarz
(Institute for Defense Analyses)
Physics professors have often said that an education in physics
will prepare you for just about anything. Certainly, the
numerical and computer skills of physics students are widely
known. The broad mathematical skills of physicists regularly
lead to positions throughout the financial or engineering
world, and the computer skills are a basis for employment in
essentially all areas. However, these are features of all
technical educations. What a physics curriculum provides as
well, through the understanding of classical and quantum
physics, is the basis for a quick understanding of the
essential features of the world around us, and the devices we
use to negotiate that world.
This talk will discuss examples of how physics
arguments have influenced a number of major government programs
by providing decision makers with a simple and clear yet
technically sound understanding of the underlying issues. In
addition, examples of current problems in Defense that are
subject to active research and debate will be discussed. The
talk will conclude with a description of qualities and
qualifications needed for a physicist to successfully
transition to becoming an analyst.
\\
Cynthia Dion-Schwarz, Ph.D., (George Mason University, B.S.
Physics and Mathematics, 1988, University of Maryland, Ph.D.
Physics, 1995) is an Assistant Director in a technical studies
and analysis research organization serving the Department of
Defense. She has also worked in the Pentagon as a Science
Advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Before
transitioning to a career as a defense analyst and technical
manager, she conducted Astrophysics research at Los Alamos
National Laboratory and the Naval Research Laboratory. She has
published over 50 articles in both physics- and defense-related
venues, is an officer in the American Physical Society/Forum
for Industrial and Applied Physics, and has won numerous awards
for research and community service.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2005.APR.T5.1