Physics Society: Academic Officer

My name is Tanvi, a 2nd year theoretical physics student. Since my 1st year I've engaged with physics at UCL in various ways, attending guest talks and lectures, and helping out with the department PANDA day too. This year, I'd like to give back to the physics society by nominating myself academic officer.

The main reason for putting myself forward is, of course, that I am passionate about physics. I was fascinated by any tangent a lecturer would go on as they spoke about their academic exploits. From theoretical modelling of dynamical systems to experimenting with particle accelerators - I would understand barely anything they were talking about. Yet, these impassioned asides would kindle a fire in me, that some day I may learn enough to be able to understand, and perhaps even to participate. 

This is my vision as an academic officer - I would like to organise events that will spark the academic in anyone at UCL, physicists and non physicists alike.

I ran a physics club for students in sixth form, developing the ability to gauge the interest of the general public - I would be committed to bring only the best of events to you. As an unofficial helper this term, I have been involved with the organising of society events (including an academic talk of my own) and I have first hand experience with how the committee runs. If elected, I am looking forward to working with everyone on the committee to create something that has a positive, widespread reach throughout the university.

I am standing for the Academic Officer position because I believe in creating opportunities for others to engage with physics, particularly in areas outside and above and beyond the standard curriculum, making it accessible and intriguing to all students. This role presents a unique platform to organise events that not only educate but also inspire. I want to run a series of talks to create an environment that encourages a free exchange of ideas and knowledge between students and experts. My organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively ensure I can effectively plan and execute these events. I am already contacting academics outside of UCL to identify research opportunities, and I can use these contacts to build a network for possible future speakers.

While the Physics Society has been traditionally dominated by guest speaker events, it has seen a transition to a more diverse and varied event structure over the past year. As a candidate for Academic Officer, I am interested in further expanding the society's agenda while maintaining a balance between events concerning the immediate future and PhD/career-themed events. In specific, I intend to organise the following:

• Talks featuring PhD students and postdocs on careers in research and academia.
• Workshops on coding and utility applications, including C++, Fortran and LaTeX.
• Panels introducing a range of internships in physics.
• Further integration of the annual UCL PandA Day and the PLANCKS competition with the Physics Society.