Count Megan Pickett, associate professor of physics, as someone who is living out a dream she has had since she was 12 years old — studying stars and planets. Her latest research is a collaborative effort with a group of international scientists who are trying to simulate some of the early conditions of the solar system to determine exactly how planets were formed. It is time consuming work that takes tens of millions of computational cells and months of computer render time to test a single theory. “What we’re finding is that it is very, very hard to make these planets; in one way it’s frustrating, and in one way it’s very exciting, because the universe knows how to make these planets, and we haven’t caught up yet. It’s a big mystery.”
Even though astronomy has a special place in her heart, Pickett said she “absolutely adores” teaching Freshman Studies. Being able to interact with students as their first professor, introducing them to Lawrence and the liberal arts education, and watching them develop in discussions is especially rewarding. She said she was honored this year to be chosen to give the lecture onAlbert Einstein.
Lawrence’s 2008 Young Teacher Award winner, Pickett was once terrified of public speaking. Today she views herself as part educator and part entertainer, filling the classroom with unbridled energy and humor. “My teaching has always been a little bit theatre,” she said. “When I get up in front of the students and teach, it really does feel like I’m getting ready for a show. I have a very specific plan about what I want them to learn, but I’m always interested in new techniques; I’m always circulating in the lecture hall and sitting down with my students. I am very comfortable with being a performer.”
If preparing students for lives of achievement, responsible and meaningful citizenship, lifelong learning, and personal fulfillment is Lawrence’s mission, then guiding a few Lawrence seniors in their quest for a year-long voyage of self discovery must be the icing on the cake.
View other faculty profiles from the president's annual report
