Profile

Kirsten Hogg

Kirsten Hogg was pursuing her love of science when she moved from Bateman's Bay to commence a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Sydney.

Kirsten had only been to Sydney four times in her life before she moved into the Women's College on campus but she knew Sydney was where she wanted to study.

"I got to uni and joined every club I could. Along the way I found friends who enjoyed science just as much as I did and that's what made it so much fun."

After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in 1995 and doing honours in physics, Kirsten began a PhD in 1996. Kirsten's research focuses on how university students learn physics and in particular how they approach a subject called physical optics.

"Physical optics is a rather abstract field that students often find hard to learn. Students come to university with a very basic idea of the subject but there is often a big gap between what they know and what they are required to know at the University level." Her research involves interviewing many students about their experiences in second year physics, and she also observes lecturers in action.

Kirsten says the aim of her research is to pinpoint areas where students have problems in Physical optics, which will ultimately improve teaching and learning within the School of Physics. Another important aspect of her research is discovering how computers are used to teach specific aspects of physics.

Kirsten's research area is a fairly new area in Australia and is certainly not an area in which you would expect a physicist to be involved. "Most people think of astrophysics when they think of studying physics at University but that is only a small part of what is offered here. The diversity of subjects is something that really attracted me to the University of Sydney."

Kirsten says that the training physics students get at Sydney make them some of the most employable science graduates. "Friends of mine have great jobs in banks and engineering firms as well as in research positions because of the diversity of our undergraduate training. The fact that we have knowledge of computers, statistics and other scientific issues makes physics graduates highly sort after."

Kirsten believes if you show interest in your classes, that there is always an opportunity to get involved with new projects. "There are scholarships and work experience opportunities available to anyone who is keen. If you show the lecturers you are interested in a particular subject, they go out of their way to help you."

Kirsten was awarded her PhD in 2000 and moved to a job overseas.