LV Life

Johnson engaged in real world math

Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Sarah Johnson, originally from England, has left the comforts of Rochester, New York where she received her Ph.D., to take a job at the University of La Verne. This semester Dr. Johnson is passing her love for science on to her students in courses of physics and physical science. / photo by Laura Ambriz
Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Sarah Johnson, originally from England, has left the comforts of Rochester, New York where she received her Ph.D., to take a job at the University of La Verne. This semester Dr. Johnson is passing her love for science on to her students in courses of physics and physical science. / photo by Laura Ambriz

by Angelica Martinez
Staff Writer

Leaning back and smiling wittingly, Dr. Sarah Johnson ponders her career choice as a Particle Physicist. As the new assistant professor of physics at the University of La Verne, Dr. Johnson agrees that her career had to overcome certain stereotypes.

Dr. Johnson said she seeks “a better understanding of how the public sees physics.” The reputation following physicists is “hard,” and “[physics] isn’t,” she said.

Without regard to the stereotypes, the England native feels particle physics is “exciting. We examine particles that make up matter,” said Dr. Johnson.

With a degree from St. University in Albany, and a doctorate from the University of Rochester, Dr. Johnson had experience teaching for a year at the Hobart & William Smith Colleges. She also taught for two years at State University of New York at Geneseo.

“They were great places,” said Dr. Johnson, of the various colleges. In fact, she said, “Hobart is more like here.”

As a new Southern California resident, Dr. Johnson smiles in approval of the California weather.

“I like the mountains and the ocean also,” she said.

However, the commute from Glendale to La Verne is not as pleasant.

“The drivers here are worse than New York drivers,” said Dr. Johnson.

In respect to her experience at the University of La Verne, Dr. Johnson said “the college is very student centered. The faculty and student relationship is very good.”

Adriana Macias, senior psychology major said Dr. Johnson “is very helpful.” According to Macias, the visual aids Dr. Johnson brings to class are “good demonstrations. They are very helpful.” Dr. Johnson “gives emphasis on seeing her if there are any questions,” said Macias.

Undoubtedly, Dr. Johnson says particle physics is “her passion. She totally draws you in,” said Macias.

Dr. Michael Frantz, chair of the Math/Physics and Computer Science Department agrees with Macias.

Dr. Johnson “brings in a research interest in a new area we haven’t had before,” said Dr. Frantz.

“She has an incredible passion for her topic,” he said. “Most people turn off right away. But she can get you interested when she starts talking to you.” According to Dr. Frantz, “that is an important quality.”

Without realizing until mid high school of her love for science, Dr. Johnson “encourages” students to be open and “consider physics as a second major or a minor.”

She said, “with few minorities in the science field, there are opportunities for students to get involved.”

Dr. Johnson leans forward and emphatically justifies with hand gestures, “I like to apply math to the real world. That is what physics is.”

Angelica Martinez
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Laura Ambriz
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