The primary goal of the Spelman College physics program is to lay a strong foundation in the knowledge, practice, and applications of physics so students will be motivated for further studies and scientifically competent in all their endeavors. The courses strongly support majors in other fields, such as chemistry, computer science, mathematics and engineering.
While Asha Nurse-Clifford received her doctorate in the mechanics of solids from Brown University’s School of Engineering in 2010, it is Spelman she says that fortified her physics and mathematics abilities.
"Through coursework, I developed great analytical thinking skills as well as independent study habits and time management skills that greatly helped in graduate school and beyond,” said the Spelman summa cum laude 2005 physics graduate. “My knowledge on some subjects exceeded that of my peers, but more importantly, I was confident and articulate. I attribute this to our class presentations at Spelman.”
Lauding the small class sizes, labs, tutors, study groups, and the ability to attend conferences on and off campus and summer research programs, Nurse-Clifford credits the Spelman physics department’s individualized attention and dedicated professors for her success.
Video created by Ebone' Monk with Mekhakhem Kheperu on conducting G-STEM research in Chennai, India.
New Jersey native Madison Grace Allen, C'2021, decided after her visit to the campus that Spelman College would guide her to the path of Black excellence and sisterhood. Allen comes from a large family of HBCU graduates and she was proud to add Spelman College to her family’s list.
As a physics major and mathematics minor, Allen broadened her experiences by attending professional conferences and completing research during her summers. She served as vice president of the Physics Club and pursued her love of dance by training with the Spelman Dance Theater and volunteering as an assistant dance instructor at the West End Fine Arts Center. She is also a member of the Physics Honor Society, Sigma Pi Sigma, along with Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program.
Allen will attend The University of Michigan to pursue a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering which will entail research in electric propulsion. She aspires to travel the world, and maybe space one day, hoping to become NASA administrator.