Physics, Running, and Research: Redefining LVC Student Excellence

Quadruple major, three-sport athlete, peer tutor, published researcher, conference presenter, and lab teaching assistant. That's just the tip of the iceberg for Penn Smith '25, who has made major impacts to the Physics Department and LVC Cross Country team.

Smith credits Dr. Daniel Pitonyak, Associate Professor of Physics and Co-Chair of Chemistry and Physics, for bolstering his academic pursuits and Head Cross Country Coach James O'Brien '07 with his growth as a runner.

Smith had anticipated research and conference opportunities through Physics, but his actual experience has shattered those expectations. He and another student collaborated with Pitonyak on research funded by a National Science Foundation grant that led to a published paper in the peer-reviewed journal Physics Letters B. The trio traveled to California to present their work at the American Physical Society April Meeting, where Smith also gave a talk on "Numerical Computation of Left-Right Asymmetries in Single-Inclusive Pion Production from Lepton-Nucleon Collisions."

"Presenting research has greatly improved my communication skills," said Smith, who also presented at the 25th International Spin Physics Conference in North Carolina.

"It also helps with confidence. The ability to stand in front of a crowd of researchers with years of experience and talk about my work was not easy to develop," added Smith.

Not only did Smith gain research experience at LVC, but he also completed a Research Experience for Undergraduates at Triangle Universities Nuclear Lab on Duke University's campus this past summer.

Smith always enjoyed logic and problem-solving and gravitated toward Physics and Mathematics. The interest in Computer Science evolved during his first year since he brought credits into college that gave him the room to explore. He later added Data Science. However, he admits that juggling four majors isn't always easy when building his course schedule.

"I have had a few classes run simultaneously between departments since they aren't typically scheduled around one another," said Smith. "However, since LVC is a small college, it was easy to communicate between departments to get a change that worked for everyone. I would not expect this kind of opportunity to be possible at a larger college."

Being a triple major and three-sport athlete would also be a difficult feat.

Recognizing the need to balance academic demands with a personal life, Smith said running is the perfect outlet. The opportunity to compete, including with the indoor and outdoor track & field squads, played a role in his decision to attend The Valley.

"This team is one of the things I'm most thankful for, and going to practice can really take my mind off the stress of academics," said Smith of cross country. "I am especially thankful to be a captain this year, putting me in a position to give back to the team that has helped me grow so much. I thank Coach O'Brien for the opportunity to be on the team and the rest of the coaching staff for their constant support."

Not only does Smith mentor younger Dutchmen through his running, but he also spends time helping others as a peer tutor and lab teaching assistant. Sarah Bartz, Director of Academic Success, facilitated Smith's role as a tutor.

"I enjoy teaching and seeing others learn and grow in a subject they may not have much confidence in," said Smith. "I see many students come to tutoring convinced they'll never get through physics. Then, we get working, and week after week, they improve. They may not realize it, but that brings me a lot of joy."

After graduation in May, Smith plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics and enter the research field.

"I am especially interested in the new Electron Ion Collider facility being built at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York," said Smith. "This would allow me to conduct research on the internal structure of nucleons (the protons and neutrons that make up the nucleus of an atom). Doing so will help pave the way for further developments in nuclear energy and medicine."