USAFA10s, my son had a few questions for you, if you will indulge us. You pretty much hinted at them in your bio, but I think he's wanting specifics about ASTROphysics, if you can provide them:
1. Are there research opportunities related (specifically) to astronomy/astrophysics or even cosmology available while attending the Air Force Academy? (These could include coursework, as well as extracurricular activities)
2. My DS hopes to obtain a masters and PhD in astrophysics/astronomy after he graduates from AFA. Is this specialization (I guess he's asking: as opposed to general Physics) available at the AFIT?
3. Is AFIT the only university option for graduate work while serving AD or are there other options (like choosing a civilian university, etc) that the Air Force would still be willing to fund/allow?
4. Are you aware of occupations at AFRL or other AD assignments that are specifically related to astronomy/astrophysics/cosmology? I know your job has revolved around space science, but I think my son is interested in tasks that involve study of space beyond just the immediate area around the Earth, though he is interested in that aspect too. We know that the Air Force is going to direct you toward areas where you are of use to them, but we just want to explore how far out that goes. His ultimate dream goal (like, post AD) would be to work for NASA, Smithsonian Institute, or some related area of research, etc. He is far more interested in research than applications (like engineering), but a possible teaching/instructor role is not out of the question for him, either.
I hope I formulated the above questions in a way that makes them easy to understand. Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to answer these questions! I think you are fast becoming my son's new hero! Ha!
1. Are there research opportunities related (specifically) to astronomy/astrophysics or even cosmology available while attending the Air Force Academy? (These could include coursework, as well as extracurricular activities)
2. My DS hopes to obtain a masters and PhD in astrophysics/astronomy after he graduates from AFA. Is this specialization (I guess he's asking: as opposed to general Physics) available at the AFIT?
3. Is AFIT the only university option for graduate work while serving AD or are there other options (like choosing a civilian university, etc) that the Air Force would still be willing to fund/allow?
4. Are you aware of occupations at AFRL or other AD assignments that are specifically related to astronomy/astrophysics/cosmology? I know your job has revolved around space science, but I think my son is interested in tasks that involve study of space beyond just the immediate area around the Earth, though he is interested in that aspect too. We know that the Air Force is going to direct you toward areas where you are of use to them, but we just want to explore how far out that goes. His ultimate dream goal (like, post AD) would be to work for NASA, Smithsonian Institute, or some related area of research, etc. He is far more interested in research than applications (like engineering), but a possible teaching/instructor role is not out of the question for him, either.
I hope I formulated the above questions in a way that makes them easy to understand. Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to answer these questions! I think you are fast becoming my son's new hero! Ha!
Last edited: