Michael McClung Physics doctoral student

Doctoral student learns to teach, knows all about physics

WILDCAT: So what got you stuck here in the summer?

MCCLUNG: Uh, I'm teaching 102.

WILDCAT: How do you like that? You know, now the roles have been reversed and now you get to look down on all those people.

MCCLUNG: Um, I don't think I'm looking down on people. I just enjoy being able to help people out.

WILDCAT: Really?

MCCLUNG: Yeah, I've really been enjoying it. More than I thought I would.

WILDCAT: So it isn't like a power trip for you. You're all, "you, speak." (said in a deep voice)

MCCLUNG: No.

WILDCAT: Well did you think about that when you first started?

MCCLUNG: The power trip?

WILDCAT: Yeah!

MCCLUNG: No not really. I see it as an opportunity to help others. I mean so many people helped me when I was at their level. Now it's my turn to help them.

WILDCAT: So I guess that's what physics is all about, helping others. I'd definitely need help with this stuff. I can't physics my way out of a paper bag! Wait, is that a verb?

MCCLUNG: Well there's a certain way of thinking about physics. If you think about it the right way its very easy. But if you don't it's very difficult.

WILDCAT: OK now, what's your secret? For me, I just apply everything in class to things I'm actually interested in. I mean could that work for physics too, like applying it to driving or something?

MCCLUNG: No, basically you have to think abstractly about it.

WILDCAT: Ah yes. Like Matisse?

MCCLUNG: Huh?

WILDCAT: Never mind.