Another Wavelength: Jillian Nguyen

Feb. 16, 2017
another wavelength banner

This month in Another Wavelength, we chat with Bachelor of Science in Optical Science and Engineering junior, Jilian Nguyen.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Tucson, though I've moved around the suburbs from Marana and now live in Vail.

What brought you to study optics?

My interest in light started with being a lighting technician in theater (I learned how to pronounce Fresnel correctly from this!). I also had always done well in math and science, and my father always supported my in being in STEM. I heard about the optics program from my high school advisor, and she told me about the mirror lab under the stadium, which I thought was amazing. In my senior year of high school, I shadowed an optical engineer who was working on OSIRIS-REx, which solidified my interest in joining optical sciences! 

Jilian Nguyen

Who is your hero in science?

I have always looked up to women in STEM. After watching the film Hidden Figures, one of my current favorite heroes in science is Mary Jackson, first black female engineer at NASA! 

Describe your research in 20 words or fewer.

I'm not currently in research, though I am working as a Supplemental Instruction Leader with Think Tank. 

Describe your research in 200 words or fewer.

I am working as a supplemental instructor for Physics – Electricity and Magnetism with Think Tank. I create and run unique study sessions several times a week for students to better comprehend class material. I work with the professors and students to help achieve higher class grades and overall content retention. Physics is one of the hardest and scariest subjects for a new engineering student, and I like that I can make it a little less so, and that I help students achieve the grades they want. 

Name three neat facts about you.

  1.  I am a classically trained pianist of 11 years, and my favorite classical piece to play is Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu, followed by Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
  2. I enjoy longboarding and am always willing to teach anyone to board on mine!
  3. I am a huge Game of Thrones fan. I have read the books and watched the show, so if you'd like to talk theories, I'm definitely interested!