Student Spotlight: Ludek Wojtkowski
Ludek Wojtkowski was recognized as the recipient of the Physics and Astronomy Department Excellence Scholarship at the 2023 CAS Celebration of Students. Ludek has been conducting computational research in the UAA Plasma Physics Laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Nathaniel Hicks since Fall 2021. Ludek’s research is receiving recognition and financial support through the Alaska Space Grant Program and the UAA Estelle J. Spatz Undergraduate Research Award. Recently, Ludek presented his findings at the American Physical Society - Division of Plasma Physics meeting, the world’s largest annual plasma physics conference. He is majoring in Electrical Engineering, and has found his minors in Physics and Mathematics to be some of the most intellectually satisfying parts of his studies. Following his graduation, Ludek plans to pursue a physics-related graduate degree.
Ludek Wojtkowski sat down with us to discuss his recent scholarship award, his time at UAA, and his plans for the future.
Ludek, you already earned a degree in music from Yale. What led you to continue your education in Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics at UAA?
“My father was a mathematician and he was the one that encouraged me to pursue a degree in this kind of field. The engineering degree, with the additional minors, allow me to serve society in a more immediate way. When I started out, I actually did not know which part of the science/engineering field that I wanted to be in. I found a strength in the more abstract things, like with math. It was Dr. Hicks, one of my physics professors who encouraged me to stick with electrical engineering, because he saw my growing interest in electromagnetics, fields, waves, etc. I am really enjoying the courses, the abstract work, and the opportunities that are more up my academic alley because of it.”
Speaking of Dr. Hicks, you are involved in some different research projects with him. Can you share a little about how you got involved in those projects, and the type of research you are conducting?
“I was in Dr. Hicks’ General Physics 212 class, which is an introductory course to electromagnetics. He saw that I had an infinity for this type of work, and he asked me if I wanted to join his research group. Since then, I have been involved in research projects with him. Dr. Hicks’ has been incredibly helpful, guiding me and helping me. He was instrumental in helping me get the Alaska Space Grant. The Alaska Space Grant is a NASA funded grant that centers on space-related research and advances to space-related technologies. Similar to the research I do with Dr. Hicks in the Plasma Lab, the focus is on plasma research, specifically the application and usefulness of plasma in space.
In my last year here at UAA, I am going to continue my research with Dr. Hicks. We actually have an experiment planned, based on the proposals that we wrote up last year. We finished acquiring the equipment that we need, so hopefully we can move forward to the next step!”
We know that you excel in both the arts and the sciences. Can you tell us a bit about your involvement in the Anchorage arts community?
“I currently serve as the ConcertMaster of the Anchorage Symphony. There are a lot of current and graduated UAA students in the symphony. In case you aren’t aware, the ConcertMaster is essentially the first chair of the group, which means leading rehearsals when the conductor is not there, helping to tune the orchestra, and just assisting the music director as needed. It is a really fun gig, but it is also challenging. I get to play with the orchestra, play some solos, but I also assume the leadership role that comes with being ConcertMaster.
Occasionally, I will also join in with different UAA Music Ensembles to play. This past year, I performed at the Symphony of Sounds showcase. I have a few friends who are UAA graduates or current students, so I will play with them in smaller ensembles around town. It is a great way to stay involved and connected with the community.”
What would you say to students who are considering coming to UAA?
“I know that there is a large portion of the student body who are non-traditional students, just like me, and I would say that UAA is a great place. It was great to be able to walk into a classroom and rather than feeling out of place, I saw people who are like me, who are my age. The classrooms are filled with a diverse group of people, where everyone works really hard, earning their degrees.
More than that, the faculty are world class, and they have so much to teach their students. Everyone is very accommodating, which is great with a non-traditional student body. There are great opportunities for students to work right with the faculty, you just have to look.”
Thank you, Ludek, for your time, and keep up the great work!