BOONE, N.C. — As a physics major in the applied physics concentration at Appalachian State University, Nykesha Fyffe ’17 got excited about the problem-solving focus of her field. After all, her goals are to improve people’s lives and solve the problems of the future.

Fyffe is now pursuing a master’s in industrial and systems engineering at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro. She plans to pursue a career in project management after graduating in 2019.

Fyffe credits the faculty members of Appalachian’s Department of Physics and Astronomy for opening her eyes to the knowledge and skills she’ll need in her future career. She said the opportunity to work as a research assistant with professors in the department — Dr. Jennifer Burris and Dr. Brooke Hester — was one of her most valuable experiences at Appalachian.

“Since working with them, I’ve developed problem-solving skills that helped me succeed in all of my classes,” she said.

In her master’s program, “my interdisciplinary background allows me to approach problems differently than others that have strict engineering experience,” Fyffe said. “When I bring up potential solutions, it allows others to think about things differently and opens more possibilities in brainstorming.”

“My passion is helping others,” Fyffe said. “I’m looking forward to having some hands-on experience in project management.”

She said that working with others on group projects while at Appalachian helped prepare her for large-scale projects she’ll encounter in her master’s program and in her future career.

Fyffe is appreciative of the healthy and safe learning environment that she experienced at Appalachian. “That has pushed me to look for that type of environment in my future career, and also to make sure I am providing a good working environment for those around me,” she said.

Physics (BS) – Applied Physics

The concepts of physics are basic to matter, energy and all phenomena. Students in Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Physics – Applied Physics degree receive the guidance and instruction to harness these concepts. Whether you choose to continue on to graduate school or pursue a career in industries such as computing, engineering, biotechnology, nanotechnology or statistics, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, technical training and problem-solving skills to handle many challenges.

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First Destination Success

Appalachian tracks where its graduates go, notes high success rate

Whether graduates seek immediate employment or an advanced degree, their experience at Appalachian State University gets them where they want to go at a high rate of success.

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About the Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s curriculum has an applied nature that includes a core of fundamental physics courses and laboratory experiences. The department prepares graduates for a variety of scientific, teaching or engineering professions, as well as future educational endeavors. Learn more at https://physics.appstate.edu.

About the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at https://cas.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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