Emilie Møller Jørgensen is a bachelor student at Aarhus University at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University – and a member of the board of KIF.
Where are you studying, and what degree program are you enrolled in?
I’m a physics bachelor’s student at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University.
What motivated you to choose physics or engineering as your field of study?
I believe that all humans possess a natural curiosity about the world. My curiosity led me to wanting to understand how everything works which led me to physics. Furthermore, upon discovering astrophysics, a world of unknown things opened up, and a need to figure out what’s out there, and how we ended up here. I simply couldn’t help it; I need to know why and how. I honestly sometimes love how the enormous size of the universe can make everything else seem incredibly small and insignificant. In this perspective, it’s absolutely beautiful that we’re all a part of this spectacular cycle of stardust.
Which course or topic in your studies has excited you the most so far – and why?
Naturally, I have especially been enjoying the astrophysics courses in which we have been presented to theory but also studied data from different telescopes. Additionally, we have gathered and analyzed our own data from our remote-operated Australian based telescope FUT and from the Ole Rømer Observatory. I love that so many of our courses introduce new research and provide us with opportunities like these.
Tell us about a project you’ve worked on (in class or beyond) that you found especially fun or meaningful.
I haven’t started the project yet, but this semester I’m doing a project-based course in which we choose our own subject under guidance of a supervisor. We’ll collect and analyze our own data and write a report that we will present later on. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to work on dark matter – possibly in the context of globular clusters such as the Bullet Cluster.
What kind of career or future do you imagine for yourself – in or outside of academia?
From what I’ve encountered of research so far, I would like to pursue a career in academia, though I could also see myself working in the private sector. I’m especially looking forward to writing my bachelor’s thesis this spring, as it will give me the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with carrying a project from start to finish.
What does being a physicist or physics student mean to you?
I feel truly privileged to be able to wake up every day and study a subject that I love. My studies allow me to explore how the world functions – from the tiniest atomic scales to the largest structures in the universe. The community is just as rewarding: being surrounded by people who are deeply passionate about their work and eager to share their knowledge, makes the experience even more inspiring.
What advice would you give to other young people, especially women and minorities, who are considering a physics degree?
Jump into it! I love physics, though I know – with the deepest respect for the field – that it isn’t for everyone. But if you have a genuine curiosity about understanding the world around you in detail, then I’d encourage you to pursue it wholeheartedly. Physics has historically been a male-dominated discipline, and I strongly believe that greater diversity can only help drive the field forward.
What inspired you to join the KIF board, and how did you first hear about the organization?
When I began my physics degree, I quickly noticed that I was surrounded mostly by men and very few women. At times, I felt a bit lost without someone to talk to who had gone through similar experiences. I realized how much I needed both a role model and a community of inspiration – something I found in KIF. I also wanted to become that role model for other young women pursuing physics, because no one should feel discouraged by external circumstances; their choice should be driven by genuine interest in the field. Within my first year, I was introduced to KIF through coffee meetups at the department which inspired me to join the KIF board and take active part in a project I truly believe in.
As a student, and KIF’s first bachelor board member, what perspectives do you hope to bring to the work?
I hope to raise more awareness of the organization among bachelor’s and master’s students, making the path of pursuing a physics degree less intimidating for future students. Locally, my goal is to foster a safe, supportive, and encouraging study environment built on a strong sense of community. On a broader scale, I want to contribute to increasing the visibility of KIF, and more generally the representation of women in STEM.
What ideas or topics are you most excited to work on as part of the KIF board?
I want to inspire others to discover this field and to fall in love with it the way I did. Just as importantly, I hope to challenge and break down stereotypes about who a physicist or scientist is – because in reality, it could be anybody.
What does diversity in physics mean to you, and why is it something you care about?
To me, diversity in physics means recognizing that, as humans, we are all different – and so are all physicists. I truly believe that our differences are what can drive the field forward, even more than the things we have in common. I perceive physics as a deeply creative subject, especially in research, and bringing these diverse perspectives and experiences together can only enrich the process and lead to stronger discoveries.
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