Alumna Spotlight — Kaouther Nasraoui
Kaouther Nasraoui moved from Tunisia to Memphis 24 years ago. She came to the United States to pursue her education, graduating from the University of Memphis with bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering (2005) and physics, a minor in Mathematics, and a master’s degree in physics (2008). She currently lives with her husband and four boys in Memphis, where she is a physics teacher at Pleasant View School – an independent school in Memphis.
Gustav Borstad: What piqued your interest in physics?
Kaouther Nasraoui: Growing up as a kid, my favorite subjects were Math and Science. I always found science to be fun. Then it was in college when I decided to pursue a degree in physics. Specifically, after taking an undergraduate physics class that was taught by Dr. Marchini. Even though I took physics in high school, it was not as interesting and fun as when taught by Dr. Marchini.
GB: When did you know you wanted to study physics?
KN: As an undergraduate engineering student and toward the end of the semester, Dr. Marchini took the class on a tour to visit the different research labs in the Physics department. I loved the Astrophysics lab and joined as an undergraduate research assistant. After doing research in the Astrophysics lab under the supervision of Dr. Joan Schmelz, I realized that physics is what I really wanted to study further so I decided to complete a double major in physics and further continue with a master's in physics.
GB: Were your classes and experiences what you expected? Or were you surprised by what you learned and experienced? If something about the Physics program at the University of Memphis really impacted you positively, what was it and what effect did it have?
KN: Taking physics classes at the University of Memphis was a life changing experience that led me, as mentioned before, to make the decision to complete the double major and a master's in physics. My professors at the Department of Physics were very supportive.
GB: How has studying physics helped you professionally (and even personally!)? Does physics have any effect on your hobbies and personal interests?
KN: Studying physics helped me tremendously by preparing me to be a physics teacher. I started seeing and understanding many things in everyday life and in nature because of my physics background.
GB: What are your past and current professional roles? Do you find that your preparation as a physicist has equipped you to pursue and succeed in your desired career path? Have you integrated physics with other skills and disciplines in an interesting or unique way that may inspire students to see physics and its possibilities in a new light?
As mentioned before in the interview, I am a high school physics teacher. I teach dual enrollment physics classes that give high school students the possibility to earn college credit. I also teach an Advanced Placement physics course. My preparation as a physicist has definitely equipped me with the necessary skills that are allowing me to teach a generation of physics students. I was inspired by my physics professors who made learning engaging and fun and currently trying to have the same impact on my students.
GB: Do you have any advice or recommendations for a student who is considering physics as a major?
KN: I highly recommend pursuing a double major in physics as it widens career opportunities.
GB: Do you have any guidance or encouragement—or advice—for students already in the program? This could relate to suggestions that helped you succeed and overcome obstacles, or strategies to prepare for a career or further your education. For example, you might also be able to express some perspectives you had as a student and evaluate how they were confirmed or modified through experience and deeper understanding.
KN: I strongly encourage current physics students to volunteer / work in the research lab that interests them the most at the physics department. Working as a research assistant gives students a rich experience in the corresponding field. Finally, I advise students to complete an internship.
