Kalisa Villafana

Why FSU for the graduate degree?

I chose the FSU's Department of Physics because it has a ranked physics program and a strong nuclear physics group with an in-house laboratory. This program allows me a lot of hands-on experience and the ability to choose from many great research opportunities that interest me.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree?

I wanted to be able to contribute to my field and to STEM in general in a meaningful way. I think in the field of physics, training beyond the undergraduate degree is necessary.  

Importance of your research and work?

I believe while pursuing a PhD in any field, we are all discovering a piece of the puzzle, and our piece will at some point be fundamental. Fundamental science is the backbone of innovative technology, engineering, and design. I want to be part of that. For me, nuclear physics has so many applications in so many industries, such as energy, imaging and diagnostics, material science, and homeland security, to name a few. I believe that my work in understanding nuclear structure and nuclear radiation is part of this puzzle, and at some point, it will be applied to one or more of these industries to benefit society.

Career aspirations

My goal is to pursue a career in medical physics. I want to use my training in nuclear physics, radiation, and accelerator science to help in the fight against cancer. We need diversity in the field of cancer research, and I want to contribute to it.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

If you feel like your field needs advanced academic training, or the career aspirations you have valued require an advanced formal education, then go for it. A graduate degree can open doors for you. It has allowed me to network and meet a lot of people in various fields, and it has helped shape me into the person I am.

Accomplishment during graduate career 

I am proud of the many conferences I have been able to attend and present my work. I have applied for many awards and grants and received them, which has facilitated many of these conferences. I have met so many influential people who have become mentors throughout my career. And I am most proud that I will be the first person in my family to obtain a PhD and the first Black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear physics from FSU. I am also proud of my outreach work, including participating in the FSU Math Fun Day and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory's geeky science valentine video, "What's a Moire?"