Get to know a Physics major
Hope Elgart is a senior from New Jersey pursuing a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Mathematics.
What have you enjoyed about Loyola? I have enjoyed how the small class sizes make it so easy to meet people and work on coursework together. It has allowed me to meet some of my best friends and bond with peers in the program, where we have cultivated a supportive environment for one another. Additionally, the approachability of professors within the department has made a huge impact in fostering my joy for physics, as they are always eager to help or get students involved in their research.
What interested you about physics? I have always loved mathematics, but once I took my first physics class in high school, I began to appreciate the challenge implicit in the physical applications. Using math as a tool to discern how every aspect of the world around me functions continuously sparks my curiosity for physics.
What research have you done and in what labs? My first research experience was for Freshman Projects under Dr. Khamesian, examining the oscillation of inner ear hair bundles. Following freshman year, I joined Dr. Tangarife’s theoretical group. As I enter my third year working with him, we have been investigating black holes and the information paradox. During the 2024 summer, I participated in a research experience at Penn State University, calibrating the antennas of a long-duration neutrino balloon payload experiment known as PUEO. Lastly, I was a 2025 summer student for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). I worked in the Level 1 Trigger team of the ATLAS experiment, optimizing the trigger menu compiler script for the 2029 Large Hadron Collider data collection period.
What do you enjoy outside of class? I really enjoy running or going to workout classes with my friends. I also love to spend my free time volunteering or helping with Loyola’s dance marathon club for childhood cancer.
What are your post-Loyola plans? I plan on applying to graduate school physics programs, but I am still deciphering what concentration of physics I would like to pursue further.
Do you have any advice for incoming physics students? I highly recommend going to the department events and spending time in the physics lounge. It’s a great place to meet other students, work on assignments together, and get more involved in the department. Crafting this support system early on in your physics career will set you up for success and having friends within the program was a big factor in helping me minimize burnout as we all navigated a healthy work-life balance together.