“Nate is a creative, out-of-the box thinker who really enjoys physics problem solving,” says John Ross, McKenzie’s undergraduate advisor and School of Science Physics Club advisor. “He really embodies what it takes to be a good physics student.”
Home schooled since early elementary school, McKenzie’s ingenuity likely also played a role in his decision to pursue a challenging double major in physics and electrical engineering.
“Engineering is really just applied physics, so going for the double major seemed to make sense,” says McKenzie, who spent a year studying at Ivy Tech before transferring to IUPUI. “Not knowing if I’ll end up pursuing a master’s degree in physics, the engineering major affords me good opportunities in the workplace should I decide to go down that road.”
Highly competent in math, McKenzie says his interest in physics “really clicked” when taking a high school course in the subject. That interest has thrived at IUPUI.
“I’ve had a really great experience so far at the School of Science,” McKenzie adds. “I like the physics department and the professors are constantly doing things to keep the classes engaging.”/p>
Committed to his studies, McKenzie’s outside activities include serving as a leading member of the school’s Physics Club and volunteering for a group that provides meals to the homeless.