Welcome to the College of Natural Sciences! I'm happy to see all of you back on campus and to think about the coming semester and all the potential it holds for you. This is the first of weekly emails that you'll be receiving from me, with important information and whimsical thoughts on the nature of life.
Dear Students,
Welcome to the College of Natural Sciences! I'm happy to see all of you back on campus and to think about the coming semester and all the potential it holds for you. This is the first of weekly emails that you'll be receiving from me, with important information and whimsical thoughts on the nature of life.
Meet the Dean
Your new interim dean of the college is Dr. David Laude, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and formerly your student dean. Dr. Laude is an analytical chemist by background, graduated numerous Ph.D. students in his field, and is the creator of many of the programs for undergraduates here in the college such as the Freshman Research Initiative, Undergraduate Research Forum, Health Science Honors, and even parts of UTeach. Many of you will see him in class, as he teaches freshman chemistry each year and each fall teaches a freshman research methods course.
Meet the new Student Dean
The new student dean is me, Dr. Sacha Kopp, professor of physics. I was formerly the associate chair for undergraduate education in the Physics Department and am a researcher in elementary particle physics. I now oversee honors programs, freshman advising, career services, the undergraduate research program office, placement in courses, and am working toward the integration of technology and inquiry in the classroom. I've been told I'm also a reasonably funny guy -- for a physicist. Many of you have met me at orientations. I'm your advocate and advisor, so please contact me any time in WCH 2.222 or 512-232-0677.
Look Toward the Future
As you begin your major, realize that you are also beginning your career. And science and math degrees are very competitive in the marketplace. Looking at the top 10 most recession-proof jobs listed in Time Magazine recently, all of them are careers based on science and math. That's no surprise, because the jobs of tomorrow all require technology and smarts. It's also no surprise that the College of Natural Sciences has been growing every year for the last 5 years, and we are now the largest college at the university! So not only are we the biggest, we are the best!
Again, I look forward to spending this year with you. Enjoy your first week!
Yours,
Dr. Sacha Kopp
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