Leah Reid '25
BS Physics, specialization in Optics

On Stony Brook:
I chose Stony Brook because of its rigorous STEM programs and the wealth of undergraduate research opportunities. I wanted to be at a university where I could challenge myself academically and get involved in meaningful, hands-on science early in my undergraduate career.

On her major:
I initially came to Stony Brook as an engineering major because I loved building things and had wide-ranging interests in physics, chemistry, and biology. After talking with my PHY 131/132 professor and meeting students in the Society of Physics Students (SPS), I realized I wanted to explore the foundational theories of the physical world more deeply than an engineering track allowed. I declared my physics major at the end of my freshman year, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Interests and accomplishments:
My academic interests lie in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. I currently conduct research in Professor Thomas Weinacht’s lab, where we study electronic dynamics in molecules using ultrafast laser pulses for time-resolved spectroscopy.

Outside of the lab, I’ve been actively involved with the Stony Brook chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) since my freshman year. I served on its executive board for three years, including this past year as president. Through SPS, I helped organize multiple department-wide events centered around undergraduate research, with the goal of encouraging student involvement and fostering a more collaborative and inclusive physics community. I also helped secure grant funding through SPS National for our chapter’s outreach projects, which aimed to engage students from local high schools in hands-on physics lab activities. SPS has been a huge part of my academic journey and the support I found there has been invaluable.

Plans for post-graduation:
Starting this Fall, I will be pursuing my PhD in Chemical Physics at University of California Davis!

Awards and Accolades:

• Presidential Scholarship recipient (2021-2025)
• Graduating Magna Cum Laude with Honors in Physics (2025)
• Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honor Society Member (2024)
• Dean’s List (2021-2025)

Favorite SBU memory:
Some of my favorite memories come from late nights in the physics lounge with friends, prepping for exams or just hanging out. The sense of community and camaraderie I found in the physics department is something I’ll always cherish.