By Emelie Dahlskold, 25 April, 2025 | Carmen Martinez Harris, Bachelor of Science (Physics) student
Carmen is a final-year Bachelor of Science student, majoring in Physics with a minor in Astrophysics. Let's dive into her story and learn more about her studies and future career aspirations.
What is your favourite thing about studying physics?
I love how my study can be both abstract and logical — it's never ordinary. One day, I might be using statistical mechanics to understand how energy is distributed in a system, and the next, I might be investigating the cosmic microwave background to explore the early universe.
What has being a student ambassador taught you about leadership and community involvement at QUT?
I hold a few roles at QUT, including Student Ambassador, HiQ Adviser, and occasionally working with the ASPIRE group to mentor high school students in STEM. These experiences have taught me how impactful just one conversation can be. I've had students approach me at outreach events or on campus, thanking me for guidance they received during a small interaction — conversations that were a normal part of my day but pivotal for them. It's shown me that leadership and community engagement are about perspective and connection.
What's one goal you're excited to accomplish next in your journey?
As I approach the end of my degree, I feel myself getting closer to my goal of starting a PhD. I'm especially interested in researching how magnetic fields influence star formation in the high-redshift universe.
What was the highlight of your Vacation Research Experience Scheme (VRES) experience?
A highlight of my VRES experience was winning the Best Presentation Award for my research findings. It was such a proud moment, and the whole experience helped me build confidence as a researcher. I'm especially grateful to my supervisors, Dr Michael Horn and Janhavi Prakash, who supported me in developing strong research and data analysis skills.
