Independent Study Allows Clara Marty to Explore Passion for Physics at the College Level

24 Summer 2019

Independent Study Allows Clara Marty ’19 to Explore Passion for Math and Physics at the College Level

Sparked by boundless curiosity about the depths of physics and mathematics, senior Clara Marty embarked on a groundbreaking independent study that spanned her senior year.

Since her first days at the Mount, sitting in Mrs. Kellyann Cilio’s Concepts of Physics class, Clara Marty ’19 was hooked. It was in that class that her love of physics began, and she decided she wanted to spend her life pursuing answers to the universe’s most challenging questions.

Mrs. Kathleen Hennessy, physics teacher and part-time member of the math department, explains that there are four fundamental forces in nature: the electromagnetic force, the strong and weak nuclear forces, and the gravitational force. The Standard Model explains how the basic building blocks of matter interact, governed by these four fundamental forces. It has been successful in explaining the originsof three of the four, with gravity being the odd man out. Fitting gravity comfortably into this framework has proved to be a challenge, one that Clara wants to tackle.

“I want to know how reality works,” Clara said. “One of my biggest goals is to join the search to find a complete Standard Model, because that would be the definition of reality.”

Clara’s curiosity and interest grew stronger over time. Sister Mary Butler’s BC Calculus class that Clara took during her junior year sealed the deal.

“Sister Mary’s class really fueled my interests,” Clara explained. “I wanted to continue my calculus studies into senior year. I didn’t want it to be over.” Harnessing her desire to learn more, Clara took the initiative to propose an independent study in multivariable calculus for her senior year, and the request was approved. Mrs. Hennessy was appointed as her instructor.

“This is part of why I love the Mount so much,” said Mrs. Hennessy. “I love that hungry students like Clara are given opportunities to pursue their passion and see where it takes them. For a student considering majoring in physics, [extensive] math [studies] are what she needs. Excellent math preparation is the best indicator of success in college. [I told Clara], ‘One day you’re going to find yourself in a class where calculus is the easy part, so get as good at it as you can.’”

Clara and Mrs. Hennessy met every other day all year, opposite their time together in AP Physics C: Mechanics. The course picked up where AP Calculus BC left off. After briefly reviewing polar functions, they moved into 3-D coordinate systems and the calculus of vector functions in three dimensions. Visualizing things like partial derivatives, gradients, and surface integrals is challenging; creativity is needed to fully get the picture. Drawing complex diagrams and using objects

“ I want to know how reality works. One of my biggest goals is that I want to join the search to find a complete Standard Model, because that would be the definition of reality.”

Clara and Mrs. Hennessy at graduation.

in the classroom to try to grapple with 3-D graphs were a regular occurrence. The pace of the course was directed by Clara, and because of this, the two were able to move quicker than would be typical of a college course.

“I have the syllabus of Calc 3 courses taught by colleagues at universities nearby, and Clara and I did a fair bit more than they do,” Mrs. Hennessy said.

In January, Clara decided that she wanted to self-prep for the AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism exam in May.

“I wanted to take E&M because I knew it was material I wanted or would need to learn at some point or another,” Clara said. “The timing of the AP [exam] offered a nice challenge, and could also allow me to take more courses in college that focus on quantum mechanics.”

With the possibility of gaining college credit for this course, she will have the opportunity to explore more advanced courses next year.

Mrs. Hennessy said, “Whenever we would get through a topic more quickly than expected and I thought Clara had a solid handle on it, we would go on a tangent (pun intended!) and do some physics work. I was nervous that perhaps she was biting off more than she could chew, but this girl loves the pressure, so bring it on.”

Reflecting on the opportunity, Clara said, “I loved taking on the physics and mathematics of this year. It was an amazingly fun challenge, and it gave me a good idea of what college life would look like. I had an entire class dedicated to exploring the subjects I’m passionate about, where I could ask as many questions and explore as many answers as I wanted. I had the wisdom and encouragement of Mrs. Hennessy on whatever path I chose to take. Having Mrs. Hennessy as a teacher was a gift. I also want to express gratitude for the administration, since they let me take a step into unexplored territory in order to take MVC [multivariable calculus]. I’m happy I got to study MVC and physics; I not only learned rules, but also had the time and resources to study the ‘why’ behind them.”

In no small part, Clara has helped paved the way for future Mounties to have the opportunity to take a full, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism course; it has been added to the program of study for the 2019-2020 school year.

Clara will be beginning her career in physics at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, as part of the Vagelos Scholars program.

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