In this week’s episode, Ashwyn Sam (2020 cohort), 4th year PhD student in Aeronautics and Astronautics, reflects on the profound impact that a strong support system and the compassion of others have had on his professional journey. He also explains the beauty of theoretical physics, shares his passion for cinema, and reveals the reason he was fed goat brains as a child.

Highlights from the episode: 

• (3:40) Ashwyn’s path to immigration to the United States from India, the advocacy of his parents in finding a scholarship to attend college, and how his experiences inform his Imagine a World statement
• (22:30) The origination of Ashwyn’s interest in physics in The Big Bang Theory, and the factors leading to his his switch to engineering in college
• (29:26) Aswhyn’s current research on the detection of small orbital debris 
• (32:30) Ashwyn’s interest in teaching and storytelling, how Knight-Hennessy has allowed him to develop these skills, and the best story he’s heard recently
• (37:50) How Aswhyn’s faith influences his approach to life
• (41:26) Ashwyn’s improbable facts and advice for Knight-Hennessy applicants