Winter Commencement 2024: Physics grad Michael Ziegenfus found space and time for research opportunities

Thanks to Radford University, Michael Ziegenfus is ready for what's next.

What is next for the senior physics major following his graduation at Winter Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 14, is a position with the Madison, Wisconsin-based healthcare company Epic Solutions, where he will work as a technical solutions engineer.

It's a career starter the Gloucester, Virginia, native has been preparing for nearly four years at the university.

"Radford helped me get there," he said.

While finding his place here at Radford, Ziegenfus has gained valuable knowledge and skills that have prepared him for a bright future, studying and conducting research in the Artis College of Science and Technology physics lab. He also ventured far beyond campus with a semester abroad at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and a trek to Utqiagvik, Alaska, as part of the 2023 annual Arctic geophysics research trip.

"I've had so many opportunities at Radford," said Ziegenfus, days before departing campus for Washington, D.C., where he will present his research at the annual American Geophysical Union.

Ziegenfus's studies at Radford have been enhanced by two valuable summer internships - one in New Jersey and the other in California. He found both opportunities with help from Radford faculty and staff.

"Through these internship opportunities," he said, "Radford has improved my skills to do research, and this better supports me as a scientist."

Reflecting on his time as a Highlander, Ziegenfus said he is thankful for Radford and its faculty for helping him grow as a student, a researcher and as a person. "They have been really supportive and a huge part of my journey."

Looking forward to commencement, Ziegenfus said he is feeling an array of emotions but is "excited more than anything else." Cheering him on at the ceremony will be his father, Robert; mother, Sandy; stepmother, Deb; sisters, Nikki and Emma; and brother-in-law, Eli. They'll proudly see Ziegenfus make his final memory at Radford.

He'll miss the faculty and his many friends, and he'll "miss doing science here at Radford University."

Ziegenfus is ready to "move forward," he said, for his new job and, later, graduate school. "I think I'm well prepared for it, thanks to Radford University."

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