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Dynamic Careers in Physics

The study of Physics can be a gateway to a whole world of career possibilities. The skills you learn at FHSU will help you develop innovative solutions to complicated problems in the world of Physics and beyond. Here’s an idea of what you can do once you graduate.

Our alumni have taken positions in the entire gambit of physics-related careers, including:

  • Research assistant for the Air Force at Northrop Grumman
  • Project engineer at Hospira pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Nuclear Myocardial Perfusion Technician with U.S. Heart Care
  • Teachers in schools around the state of Kansas

Several alumni have chosen to deepen their study of physics by going into P.h.D. programs at universities like Texas A & M and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

The study of Physics also prepares you for many relevant careers in all fields, which tackle society’s problems.

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Computer Programmer
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Genetic Engineer
  • Meteorologist
  • Nuclear Power Plant Project Manager
  • Science Writer
  • Seismologist

For more information about careers for Physics majors, visit the Academic Advising and Career Exploration Center Web site or contact the Department of Physics to speak with a faculty advisor. What change will you envision for the world?

FHSU Physics graduates - out in the world
Tyler Habiger (2004)
Project Engineer
Hospira
McPherson, KS
In 2002, I completed the first half of the 3-2 program at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and received my physics degree in 2004. During my time at FHSU, I was involved with superconductor research. I also completed a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer internship at the University of Arizona researching and developing organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). After completing the second half of the 3-2 program, I worked as the foreman of a construction crew on a multi-million dollar project for the Army Corp of Engineers. In 2006, I took a position as a production supervisor for Hospira’s pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in McPherson, Kansas. During my time as a supervisor, I oversaw as many as 70 people and 10 different manufacturing lines. I am currently a project engineer for Hospira.


Kate (Denning) Gaudry (2002)
Patent Scientist
Knobbe Martens Olsons and Bear LLP
San Diego, CA
After graduating from FHSU, I began working on my Ph.D. in computational neurobiology at the University of California, San Diego. I applied my physics knowledge and computer programming skills to create computational models and analyze neurological experimental data to address neural coding questions. After graduate school, I began work as a patent scientist at Knobbe Martens Olsons and Bear LLP. I participate in patent prosecution across subjects, including optics, biotechnology and nanotechnology. My knowledge and skills learned at FHSU were valuable both as a graduate student and as a patent scientist.