Physics Illinois junior David Schmid has been awarded a prestigious Barry M. Goldwater scholarship for the 2013-14 academic year for demonstrating leadership and academic promise in science or engineering. Schmid has been working in the laboratory of physics professor Paul Kwiat since summer 2010, before his freshman year. There he has studied optical simulation, polarization-dependent focusing, and spectral filtering.
In his research, Schmid uses computer modelling and simulations to design optical setups that address current problems in quantum information, cryptography, and computation. Schmid’s research has helped to expand various optical techniques used in research. His work shows promise in practical applications as well, including in the use of dual-focus beams for imaging or controlling tiny objects and spectral filtering to impact optical fiber communication networks.
Schmid has been recognized many times for academic achievement. At Illinois he participates in the Campus Honors Program and is a National Merit and Illinois State Scholar, on the Dean’s List, and a winner of a Provost Scholarship for academic achievement. He is also the recipient of the Vincent O’Brien Iroquois County Scholarship. Schmid has presented his research at the national Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics. He is the primary author of a paper submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in optical physics.
Schmid hopes to earn a doctorate in physics and then pursue an academic career, teaching and conducting research in quantum mechanics:
"Ultimately, I hope to do research on the boundaries between quantum and classical physics," said Schmid, "and I am looking forward to teaching university students. I value great teachers immensely, and I hope eventually I will be the one inspiring others."
Schmid's passion for the study of physics is intrinsic to who he is.
"I love physics because I think that the universe is far more grand than any human could imagine," explained Schmid. "Only through physics can we begin to see its beauty. Despite the complexity we see all around us, physics gives universal laws which govern everything which can possibly exist.
"The best thing about physics is that in all this complexity, there are never paradoxes. There are no mistakes, no inconsistencies, in nature–only in our attempts to understand it. And we're working on that."
Schmid said he is very thankful for the opportunities this scholarship will afford him and thankful to everyone who makes such scholarships possible. And he recognizes that many have had a hand in his achievements as a physics major at Illinois.
"I owe a great deal to many of my friends and colleagues. My sister Mara has given me courage, support, and a broader perspective on life, for which I am ever grateful. A special thanks to Professor Paul Kwiat for giving me a chance to do research even before I knew anything useful! His support and wisdom have been invaluable, and I've loved researching and learning with his group."
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Barry M. Goldwater, who served 30 years in the U.S. Senate. The program provides a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to sophomores and juniors from the United States who intend to pursue doctorates in these fields.
The 271 Goldwater Scholars for 2013-14 were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,107 mathematics, science and engineering students nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields. The one- and two-year scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.