Jazmine Riggins

My story

In the summer of 2021, I participated in an REU program at Brandeis University that allowed me to work with Reto Trappitsch, a lead investigator working on stardust. We decided to build an affordable, reflective-light microscope that would allow us to map stardust grain mounts automatically. I also participated in the REU program at the University of Texas at Austin. My project was to characterize LEDs as a function of emission angle and test the sensing system. At Hampton University, I work in Dr. Uwe Hommerich’s lab, analyzing energy spectrums of doped and undoped crystals and glasses. My goal is to do cutting-edge theoretical physics research to solve the puzzles of general relativity, quantum mechanics, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy. To do so, I plan to receive a Ph.D. in astrophysics.

Receiving the TEAM-UP Together scholarship provided invaluable financial support during my college journey, allowing me to focus more on my academic pursuits and personal growth. Additionally, a scholarship affords me the flexibility to explore various educational opportunities, such as internships and conferences. I believe the TEAM-UP Together scholarship program is making a great investment in me.

TEAM-UP Together Scholarship Recipient in 2022 and 2023