October 03, 2012

Dr. Michelle Dolinski
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics

Hometown: Franklinville, NJ
Degree: Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley
Research interests: Experimental neutrino physics

Dr. Michelle Dolinski

Q: What did you do before coming to Drexel?
A: Postdoctoral research at Stanford University.

Q: What is your favorite book?
A: Recently (and nerdily), Anathem by Neal Stephenson.

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Can’t get enough quinoa, but I’m not a vegetarian!

Q: One thing you couldn't live without:
A: My laptop.

Q: Who is your idol/Who inspires you?
A: My high school physics teacher, Frank McCulley, is a truly great teacher.

Q: What was the most memorable class you ever took as an undergrad?
A: Electronics lab for its extreme practicality and extremely impractical pace.

Q: Which current event/issue do you think students should know more about?
A: Nuclear power.

Q: What’s one thing every student who plans on taking one of your classes should know about you?
A: It’s really not about memorizing formulas!

Q: What made you want to become a professor?
A: I love fundamental research, but it’s only worth doing if you can communicate it to others. I want to teach physics, involve students in my research, and do better science as a result.

Q: What course would you be most excited to teach at Drexel and why?
A: Introduction to quantum mechanics, because it changes everything.

Q: What do you hope to add to the CoAS community?
A: I hope to add more great opportunities for students to experience research and to communicate that research to others!

See Dr. Michelle Dolinski in action: CoAS Dean’s Seminar Series: “Neutrinos in the Laboratory and in the Universe,” Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 3:30-5:00PM, Disque 109.