My Mizzou Story
Kyle Gustafson
This wasn't your usual summer employment. In 2003, Kyle Gustafson worked at Lawrence Livermore National Labs in Livermore, Calif., on computer simulations of astrophysical dynamics. He studied black holes.
A 2003 national Goldwater Scholar, Gustafson is left-handed, left-brained and fully captivated by the excitement of studying physics and mathematics as a double major.
But that focus doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate the study of arts and humanities. Gustafson is learning to play the guitar, he's fond of classes that require writing, and he likes to discuss literature and hear lectures about art. One of his "all-time favorite" classes was an honors humanities course on music, art and literature from the past 150 years. The Philosophy of Science class was "captivating, fun and important for my development as a scientist."
Gustafson knew as early as his freshman year that he wanted to apply for the Goldwater Scholarship. The development of his writing style through MU's Campus Writing Program was key to the thoughtful essays and research summaries required for the application.
"I've matured as a writer," he says. "It's a transition in my life from not being good at it to liking it and being able to put out a good piece." The sophisticated but low-key student admits to being thrilled about winning the coveted scholarship. Probably the only person more excited about the achievement was his mentor in physics, Professor Peter Pfeifer.
"He grabbed my hand and shook it for 10 seconds straight. We were both so excited," Gustafson says. He gives Pfeifer half the credit for his winning the scholarship. Pfeifer has been a guide in his academic life since freshman year.
Also sharing praise from Gustafson is physics Professor Brian Defacio. "I realized how much I had gotten out of his course. I had learned to think as a physicist should think," Gustafson says. "Professor Defacio is the epitome of that."
Pfeifer, Defacio and the other MU professors who provided Gustafson with models of teaching and mentorship will receive from him one of the finest compliments a student can give: He's going to follow in their footsteps as a tenure-track university professor.