Student Spotlight: Sally Jiang, PhD Candidate in Astronomy
What drew you to your field? When you were younger, did you know you were going to be a scientist?
I got into astronomy through high school programs at the American Museum of Natural History here in New York. Being at the museum and going to the planetarium shows, I always left feeling very emotional. Because I'm first gen, I just didn't know science was a thing that you could do [for a living] until I met mentors at the museum. Later in college, when I met actual researchers and scientists, it led me to believe I could be a scientist. You can do it as a job. Now I am stoked as a Columbia graduate student.to get to conduct research at that same museum as a Columbia graduate student.
How would you explain your current research to someone outside of your field?
I'm focused right now on studying the formation of stars and planets. I’m running simulations to study how groups of stars form, and then one star might get kicked out, and possibly lead to something like our sun. If people have watched Star Wars, they probably know the famous two suns of Tatooine. That's the most common way stars exist in our universe, in pairs or groups, so it's really interesting to study why our sun is on its own and far away from other stars.
What is your favorite part of the GSAS graduate school community?
I am truly inspired by the work conducted by my peers, and it inspires me to push myself to be more engaged with my work and community. We often plan hangouts outside of work, play games, have dinner parties, or just explore NYC together. Given the smaller size of the astronomy department, I also appreciate seeing other members (graduate students, postdocs, undergrads) at department events and meetings. The tight-knit community makes it easy for me to find an excuse to take a pause from work and start up a random conversation with anyone I pass by in the halls.
What would you say to someone considering applying to GSAS?
If you are really passionate about what you're doing, it's such an amazing opportunity. Five to six years, just getting to do research and basically having a job that pays you to learn? It's something that I very much appreciate every single day.
How have you grown so far through your graduate studies at Columbia?
I think I have become more independent through my studies. I feel like I am given more responsibilities, through teaching, research, or extracurriculars (science outreach, student delegate). I hold myself accountable for when I stop work and when I relax, and I think I am a pretty generous boss to myself sometimes.
What is your favorite place to study on campus?
I love sneaking off to Joe's Coffee at the Northwest Corner Building, a short walk from Pupin. I feel motivated seeing other people work.
Where do you like to eat lunch near Columbia?
Currently I’m obsessed with Pho Amsterdam. I usually go once a week for their banh mi and beef pho.
How do you like to spend your free time in New York?
Even after living in the city for my entire life, I still often find myself wandering around, trying to find the next hidden gem or hole-in-the-wall place either online or by pure chance. I am also a big Broadway fan and love just taking a day to go downtown and to get rush tickets for shows. I push myself to do something fun every week.