Spring Break meets science: Experiencing research in Switzerland

While spring break may mean beaches and sunshine for some, students in PHYS 4072: Introduction to Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics spent their time continuing their learning in Switzerland. In the Klinger College of Arts and Sciences, learning opportunities extend far beyond the classroom, igniting passion for research through a global perspective.

During their trip, students visited two major sites for scientific research in Switzerland. The first was the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), home of the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. This renowned facility is responsible for breakthrough scientific discoveries in a variety of fields, including the invention of the World Wide Web. For physics students, the most impressive aspect of the facility was the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider ever built, the Large Hadron Collider.

Serena Determan, a physics major with a minor in mechanical engineering, brought a unique perspective to this trip, having worked at CERN in the summer of 2023. This experience allowed them to stay in contact with the researchers at CERN and stay updated on the scientific developments spearheaded at the facility.

Determan highlights one of the most powerful aspects of CERN: the collaborative nature of its work and the shared understanding of the challenges posed by cutting-edge research. “CERN is a reminder that science requires collaboration and time,” Determan reflects. All of the students were impressed by the amount of time it takes for a large-scale science experiment to go from inception to reality. This process can take 40 years and thousands of people to design, construct and begin operation on these machines.

CERN is a special place for scientists; it was formed post-WWII to rebuild European atomic science for peaceful purposes and to foster international cooperation. The charter of the lab requires research to be non-secretive and collaborative. Because of this, the motto of the lab is “Science for Peace,” a message that inspires scientists around the world. The students were heartened to learn that scientists at CERN come from all corners of the globe, working together to solve global problems in the spirit of science for diplomacy.

The second site visit in this experience was to the Sphinx Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world. Up in the Swiss Alps, this facility is key to research in astronomy and astrophysics, featuring a massive telescope and a high-altitude weather observation station. This observatory was also one of the first places where cosmic rays, particles from violent astrophysical events in outer space, were discovered.

Zoe Dimmitt, a physics major with a minor in astronomy, says that being this close to physics research was a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“Learning about these projects in a classroom is one thing but seeing them firsthand and learning directly from experts is entirely different,” Dimmitt says.

These site visits provided the students with a fresh perspective and deeper appreciation for the wide variety of physics research being conducted around the world. Addressing global challenges from multiple angles fosters a more holistic approach to science, ultimately aiming to improve the world we live in. Mallorie Schams, a physics major, remarked, “Traveling to Switzerland was an amazing experience, reminding me that the world is vast and filled with important scientific discoveries.”

Dr. Karen Andeen, associate professor of physics, and Dr. Janeth Valverde, postdoctoral research fellow of physics, led the trip to Switzerland with the goal of broadening students’ perspectives on physics research and how it fits into our global society. Inspired by her own transformative experiences with faculty-led study abroad programs, Andeen dreamed of creating similar opportunities for her physics students.

 “We have wonderfully bright and motivated students in our department. They deserve a transformative study abroad experience like I had,” says Andeen.

Recognizing that many students are unable to afford study abroad opportunities, Andeen was determined to eliminate financial barriers and ensure all students in the course could participate in this meaningful experience. Through careful planning and negotiations, she brought that vision to life by using funds from her National Science Foundation CAREER grant to help make the trip financially accessible for students. Looking ahead, the physics department hopes to support future opportunities like this through donor contributions.

“It’s not often that a dream resembles reality, but this course achieved my dream. I wish that all students could have experiences like this.

I’m incredibly proud of our students—not just for how they represented our department, but for how deeply they engaged with the learning experience. This trip was anything but a vacation; it was a rigorous, hands-on opportunity to see physics in action on a global scale. The growth I witnessed in each of them was remarkable.”

Dr. Karen Andeen

Returning from Switzerland, Andeen continues to showcase the variety of opportunities available to physics students. In the fall of 2025, Andeen will teach a one-credit course, PHYS 1953: Discovering Physics, a cohort-building course designed to introduce physics students to the opportunities and career possibilities a physics degree can offer them. She will also be teaching PHYS 1008: Astronomy and Space Physics. Andeen hopes to offer this course and trip to CERN again in the future, allowing students to gain global perspectives on science and appreciate the collaborative nature of research.

For more information about upcoming physics opportunities and experiences follow here.