From unravelling the mysteries of black hole binaries through hands-on research to mastering the art of learning in a wind orchestra, Emily Carver has embraced every opportunity to grow academically, personally, and creatively. Her passion for physics and exploration makes her a shining example of what it means to truly embrace learning by pushing herself to discover what she is capable of.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to complete a research project under the supervision of Dr. Alex Tetarenko, funded by the University of Lethbridge Chinook Summer Research Award. The project taught me about modern observational astronomy by being part of it!
Meet Emily | Driven. Curious. Positive.
Program: Bachelor of Science | Major: Physics
Why did you choose ULethbridge?
I chose ULethbridge because of its small campus and class sizes, as well as its research and work experience opportunities.
Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?
I have always had a passion for math and science, and after a great experience at the Cypress Hills Observatory in middle school, I fell in love with astronomy. My initial goal was to complete a general physics degree as a stepping stone toward a career in astronomy and astrophysics, but I have grown to appreciate other branches of physics as well!
Please tell us about your experiential or work-integrated learning at ULethbridge.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to complete a research project under the supervision of Dr. Alex Tetarenko, funded by the University of Lethbridge Chinook Summer Research Award. The project taught me about modern observational astronomy by being part of it! I studied the variability of Black Hole X-ray Binaries (BHXBs) and the jets they launch.
Over the course of the project, I learned important skills in research, coding, and science communication, which will help me in my schooling. However, I also developed persistence, and the project helped me see that I'm capable of great achievements if I set my mind to it. While the concept of research was definitely daunting before I began, I found it to be a very rewarding process, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to explore BHXBs in a way you can't in a typical classroom setting.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?
During my first semester at ULethbridge, I joined the wind orchestra as a flute player under the direction of Dr. Josh Davies. Though I was enrolled in multiple math and science courses at the time, I was most challenged by the music! I learned tonnes about music and improved my abilities vastly over those months. Most importantly, though, I learned how to truly learn, which has helped me ever since then. My fellow musicians were all incredibly welcoming, and performing in the university theatre was truly incredible.
How have your professors impacted your education?
Dr. Tetarenko has been an incredible support in my studies and research, and I cannot thank her enough for her guidance. The opportunity to complete a research project has totally changed the way I see my own education and my pathways through university. Dr. David Naylor helped me see astronomy through a more analytic lens and encouraged me to pursue it. Physics is not a particularly easy program, but all the professors within the department are kind and have made my education a positive experience.
While still early in her undergraduate career, Emily has shown research skills beyond what I would expect in a top graduate student. – Dr. Alexandra Tetarenko, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Is there anyone else who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?
Naomi Cramer has been wonderfully helpful in keeping students up to date on work and learning opportunities related to physics, and is also a fantastic conversationalist! Each trip to the ninth floor includes a chat with Naomi that puts a smile on my face. Also, shoutout to all my lab partners and classmates who've struggled through all the same assignments and exams!
Have you received any scholarships and awards?
Yes, I have received many awards through the University of Lethbridge, with the most recent being the Dickinson Memorial Award and the Chinook Summer Research Award. These awards have helped me to fund my tuition and research so that I can focus on my studies rather than finances. I am incredibly thankful to all the donors for their generous gifts, and everything they have helped me to achieve!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love 'old people’ hobbies such as baking, crocheting, and reading. Crochet is a wonderful way to keep my hands busy and let my mind relax after a long day of schoolwork or to create something to keep me warm while I study.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
In the near future, I plan to continue my research, diving deeper into the mechanisms by which these observed phenomena occur, improving my code so that it might be distributable, and hopefully gaining experience with X-ray or optical astronomy. I want to continue to push myself and explore what I'm capable of when I put my mind to it! I hope that as I approach graduation, I can make a final decision on what I'd like to do afterwards.
What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?
Your peers and professors have valuable insight, and want to see you succeed! Reach out to upper-year students in your program and professors to discuss things like program planning, classes and coursework, study tips, and work or learning opportunities. Some things are hard to learn about on your own, so ask!
Also, university can be challenging at times, but it can really help to see each obstacle as a puzzle to be solved. Choosing positivity and finding joy in both the journey and the destination makes your university experience a better one.
Quick Answers
Favourite class: Differential Equations I with Amir Akbary!
Favourite place to study: All the quiet corners on floors 5 and 8 of UHall are seriously underrated.
Photos submitted by Emily
About Shining Students
Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.
Each year, the Faculty of Arts & Science's faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the ULethbridge student spirit. Congratulations Emily!