Matthew Jaffe (2013) – Graduate student in Physics at UC Berkeley
Matt Jaffe, 2012, University Park
Intended major initially: Engineering Science
Ultimate career plans: Played for Philadelphia Spinners, moved to the world’s best ultimate community
(SF Bay Area) where I’m trying to improve my skills and move up in the ultimate world.
PSU Mens Club Ultimate Team, Springfield THON
Grad school at UC Berkeley in Physics. Deciding where to apply was somewhat haphazard and Californiacentric. I chose Cal after the visit weekend, I loved the department and area. Currently working in AMO
(Atomic, Molecular, and Optical) experiment.
An undergraduate education is the foundation for a graduate one.
Goals are keep researching, get a PhD, get a post-doc.
I don’t have general advice for all Physics majors. But for those who want to go to grad school: I’d
suggest having an active interest in learning interesting physics for yourself outside the classroom.
Editor’s note: Mr. Jaffe participated in a summer research experience at CERN and wrote a senior thesis
on numerical issues in quantum gravity with Prof. Martin Bojowald of the PSU Physics Department.