Honor Society® member
Laken Camp
Administrative Assistant at Zeon Chemical Plant
- Physics
- Class of 2018
- Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Member since May 2017
About
My name is Laken Camp, and I am a senior at The University of Southern Mississippi. I was born and raised in Petal, Mississippi. I am currently majoring in physics and minoring in mathematics. As a child, I would tell my mother that I wanted to grow up to be something different every week. I had this idea in my head that I could do all things and in turn I would change the world. The thing that changed most about that idea as I grew older and learned more about the world and myself is I now know that doing all things and changing the world do not come hand in hand, but rather, it is doing a few things with unbreakable passion and work ethic that will benefit the most people. The road to studying physics was a nonlinear and tumultuous one, nevertheless, it has become my passion. Physics has challenged me intellectually and mentally, and the subject never ceases to amaze me by its ever growing nature. I speak as if the subject is human because it has impacted me just as any other human fixture would, i.e. my parents and friends.
Education
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The University of Southern Mississippi
physics, math
2013 – 2018
Honors and awards
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Honor Society
Honor Society is granted to those who have good academic and moral standing.
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NASA Scholar
The NASA Scholarship is awarded to students who are personally nominated by their professors. The students nominated must be pursuing a STEM degree.
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God at Speed of Light Scholar
The God at Speed of Light Scholarship is given to students who are actively pursuing a career in the sciences.
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Luckyday Foundation Scholar
The Luckyday Foundation Scholarship is a state-wide scholarship that funds students who are in need of college financial support. Typically, Luckyday Scholars are active in helping their community as well as portray academic excellence.
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Public Relations Officer of The Society of Physics Students
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Vice President of The Society of Physics Students
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My intended job path is more foggy than I would like for it to be at this point in my undergraduate career, but I know one thing: I want to eventually work in a hospital, and I want to have the opportunity to travel and learn from fellow scientists around the world.
- Graduate school interests
I am still trying to narrow down what area of study I want to pursue post-college, but I have two distinct interests.
1. I am considering pursuing a PhD in neuro physics. I have a strong pull towards neuroscience, and I have recently been reading a lot about the idea that consciousness is its own state of matter. Although this area of physics is new, I have always been interested in the power and ability of our bodies nervous system, and implementing physics applications sparks my interest.
2. I am also considering attending Medical School. Being a trauma surgeon was the original goal before I began studying physics, but my interests are now torn between neurosurgery and trauma for the same reasons I previously mentioned.
Regardless of which path I take, I want to be in a position where I am helping people. Science is a riveting thing, but my best work is done when I know it's for a greater purpose.
- Outside the classroom
I have recently taken a liking to hiking, which complements my love for travel. I enjoy traveling and discovering new places to hike has become apart of that joy. I would like to hike the Appalachian Trail at some point within the next few years. I am an avid reader, and I have a guilty pleasure for novels with strong female roles. My love for literature, art, and music has always balanced out my love for science. My mother, my biggest influence, instilled in me a love for the arts at an early age, so a huge part of my life has been devoted to painting and writing. When it comes to everyday hobbies, I enjoy working out and visiting with friends. Most of my free time is spent with good company by my side.
Experience
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Administrative Assistant
Zeon Chemical Plant
Dec 2016 – May 2017
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Manager
Pier 1 Imports
Apr 2015 – Dec 2015
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Research Assistant
Polymer Science Department at The University of Southern Mississippi
Sep 2013 – May 2014
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Cashier
Corner Market
Apr 2013 – Sep 2013
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Veterinary Technician
Panther Pet Hospital
Feb 2013 – Sep 2013
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Cashier
The Grand Theatre
Apr 2012 – Aug 2012
Volunteering
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Tutoring/Mentoring Services - I tutor/mentor students at local schools who are showing interest in STEM related fields or are having trouble understanding the curriculum.
Jan 2017 – May 2017
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Science Outreach Program - planning times the physics society can perform demonstrations and experiments to pre-collegiate schools in our community. All experiments and demos are coupled with individual lessons to explain the science.
The Society of Physics Students
Jun 2016 – May 2017
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- French (France) Beginner
Additional information
Organizations
