For as long as Deborah Rappoport can remember, she has had a desire to learn how things work. A Brooklynite and first-generation college student, she is now just weeks away from earning her bachelor’s degree in physics. We talked to her about the professors who mentored her, the research she did on energy storage technology, and how a fateful childhood museum trip shaped her goals. Talk about the time that your career aspirations became clear to you. What or who was it inspired by? I’ve always been curious about the workings of the world. My high school didn’t have much in the way of science education, but I discovered a love for it, particularly physics, from internet research and watching YouTube videos. One core memory for me was visiting the Museum of Natural History as a child. I realized then that I needed to study and deeply understand the world around me and the laws that govern everything. How have you grown as a person or student in the last few years? I’ve learned several skills at Brooklyn College that have helped me grow. First, I’ve learned how to manage my time better and stay on top of my responsibilities. Second, I’ve learned how to collaborate effectively and work with my peers through group projects and the research I’ve contributed to. I’ve also gained valuable research skills that I’m sure will come in handy in my future career as a scientist. Were there any faculty members at Brooklyn College who made all the difference for you? A few professors significantly enhanced my experience here. Associate Professor Ken Miyano, who taught several of my physics courses, is a passionate and talented educator who mentored me and gave me great academic guidance. He showed genuine concern for my well-being and success and checked in with me often to see how I was doing. Another source of inspiration was Professor Sophia Suarez. Working in her materials science lab for the past two years has been a transformative experience. I’ve engaged in exciting, hands-on research where I could explore my interests under the guidance of her and the lab manager, Domenec Paterno. They’re both genuinely interested in seeing each student succeed. What’s something you’ve done at Brooklyn College (other than making it to graduation) that you’re proud of? I’m most proud of my research and the work I’ve done in Professor Suarez’s lab through the Tow Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Not only did I get a stipend, but I also gained invaluable experience in the lab and through presenting my research in public forums. The fellowship helped me hone my research and public speaking skills. I focused on finding, developing, and studying novel materials to improve energy storage technologies. It’s empowering to know that I have contributed in my own small way to the body of scientific knowledge. What will you do to take a well-earned break or otherwise celebrate making it to this point? I love to travel and spend time in nature, and I haven’t had much time to do that over the past couple of years. I hope to take some time to get out and explore a bit after graduation. What are your goals after graduation? My long-term goals are to earn a Ph.D. in physics and ultimately work as a researcher. Perhaps I’d even like to teach at a college someday. This December, I’ll be applying to graduate programs. There are several subfields of research that I’m interested in, but I haven’t yet narrowed down the specific path that I want to pursue. After I graduate, I want to continue to make contributions to the field. I hope to obtain some additional research experience that will help me in my future career.
