Abstract
Physics degree holders are highly employable in both the private and public sectors. However, students and early career scientists are often unaware of the types of career paths available to them. This talk will provide data on the number of physics degree holders and where they typically find employment, give examples of common career paths, and highlight career resources useful for exploring options and searching for and applying to jobs. The speaker will also discuss her own career path from astronomy major to Peace Corps volunteer and ultimately professor of physics.
Bio
Dr. Kebra Ward is an associate professor of physics at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA. Her research characterizes organic semiconductors for use in opto-electronics devices. She has a Ph.D. in physics from Lehigh University and a BS in astronomy from the University of Southern California, where she analyzed spectral data from the Hubble telescope of B-type stars to determine their chemical composition. After college Dr. Ward joined the Peace Corps and taught high school biology in Mozambique. Dr. Ward is a 2021 American Physical Society Career Mentoring Fellow. She will be a visiting professor at the Nelson Mandela University physics department in South Africa as a 2022 Fulbright Scholar. She is also a member-at-large on the executive board of the American Physical Society – New England Section.