Dillon Ramsey '18
This is the first profile in a series that highlight our Class of 2018.
First-generation college student Dillon Ramsey ’18 discovered an unexpected passion for physics, computer programming and mechanical engineering in Geneseo’s close-knit Department of Physics and Astronomy.
“My first time at Geneseo, I just wandered into the department on a whim, and [Distinguished Teaching Professor of Physics] Dr. Padalino offered to show us around the particle accelerator in the basement,” said Dillon.
The experience really set the tone for Dillon, and demonstrated the value of Geneseo. He knew he would be attending in the fall.
“Geneseo’s department is unique in that it is a school of only undergraduate physics majors, enabling students to use advanced equipment and work one-on-one with professors,” he said.
Dillon has taken full advantage of these opportunities. He began his research activities his sophomore year under the mentorship of Ed Pogozelski, associate professor of physics. They worked together to design a specialized device to observe the collision of ions more clearly.
While working on the mechanical engineering project, Dillon realized he needed to learn computer programming.
“When the software didn’t work, I challenged myself to learn programming language and correct the problem,” he said. “It turns out I like programming.”
Dillon also learned how to run a 3-D printer for the project; prototypes for the project were first printed before the “real deal.” He soon became the student supervisor for the 3-D print lab for the entire physics department.
“Once you know how to run the printer, you’re in demand,” Dillon quipped.
His efforts, following three years of work (including a few summers of research) yielded a completely custom-made device for Geneseo’s particle accelerator. The device will help scientists at Geneseo perform experiments faster at the accelerator, an asset for scientists in western New York, that is housed in the Integrated Science Center.
The project served as an important foundation to Dillon’s career.
“You find more and more knowledge holes, you want to explore things more deeply,” said Dillon. “You want to become a master at it.”
To this end, Dillon is in the midst of a directed study with research technologist Kirk Anne, assistant director and manager for systems and networking in the College’s Computer and Information Technology Department, where he is working to solve differential equations. Together with his other experiences, he has realized that his true interest lies in the computational side of physics.
Following graduation from Geneseo, Dillon plans to attend graduate school to eventually obtain a doctorate in physics.
“The physics department here is remarkable, we are like a physics family,” said Dillon. “I don’t think I could’ve had these experiences and opportunities anywhere but Geneseo.”
Read about Geneseo's accomplishments with physics majors in an edition of Inside Higher Ed.
— By Kitrick McCoy '19