The engineering and physics department at Monmouth College offers students a supportive and enriching environment to explore their academic passions. Bronte de Zwart ’26, a student in the program from Adelaide, Australia, shared her experiences, highlighting what makes the department stand out and how it fosters academic and personal growth.
According to de Zwart, the department offers intriguing courses, particularly in upper-level classes. She said professors tailor class options to match students’ interests, creating a personalized learning experience.
“For example, a group of us will be doing an introduction to nuclear physics this semester, as well as Professor (Chris) Fasano’s atmospheric science course,” she said, referring to one of the department’s strongest assets – its faculty.
A supportive, inclusive environment
“The professors are very enthusiastic – their passion makes you want to go to class,” said de Zwart, who praised the faculty’s unwavering support and availability, adding that office hours are always accessible for additional guidance.
She acknowledged the challenges of being a woman in STEM, but credited the department for fostering an inclusive environment.
“The professors really encourage us,” said de Zwart. “For example, Professor Fasano has facilitated many groups to go to the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics.”
The department also offers numerous opportunities to prepare students for graduate school and careers, such as career expos and conferences. de Zwart said connections through alumni and faculty are another valuable resource, recounting how Fasano’s son hosted their group at the Argonne National Laboratory in suburban Chicago, providing insights into real-world applications of their studies.
An involved student
Monmouth’s SOFIA program (Summer Opportunities for Intellectual Activities) allows students to gain early research experience. de Zwart participated as an incoming freshman, then served as a mentor last summer.
“What’s unique about SOFIA is that gives students an opportunity to delve into research very early in our academic journey,” she said.
Assisting with that research is an impressive collection of lab equipment for a college of Monmouth’s size.
“We have some great equipment for a small school,” said de Zwart. “I feel lucky to get to use the nuclear lab.”
Her SOFIA mentoring role is connected to her possible career path.
“Helping people and encouraging them to enjoy their classes as much as I do is very rewarding,” said de Zwart, who also serves as a tutor for mathematics, quantitative reasoning and physics. “After Monmouth, I could definitely see myself becoming a college professor and continuing this passion for teaching.”
de Zwart is also vice president of inclusion in the Pi Beta Phi sorority and serves as president of the Order of Omega, the Greek honor society. She’s in two other honor societies – Blue Key and Alpha Lambda Delta – and is an editor for the college’s Midwest Journal of Undergraduate Research.
She also plays on the women’s soccer team – posting a goalie victory in each of her three seasons so far – which was a major part of her decision to study in the U.S.
“We don’t have college soccer in Australia, so since I was about 12 I knew I wanted to go to the States to get that residential college experience,” she said.
Advice for new students
When asked for advice, de Zwart encourages prospective students to engage with professors early.
“Definitely talk to the professors about your interests – they can suggest classes you’ll like,” she said, noting that her Monmouth journey began with a virtual class with Fasano and email correspondence that led to mentorship.
de Zwart also highlighted the department’s emphasis on communication skills through the Science Seminar program. All junior and senior science students participate, presenting independent research and honing soft skills that are vital for future success.
de Zwart said she’s always been drawn to science and to math.
“I was very curious as a kid and some of my favorite books to read were the space books in the school library – I think I went through a phase where I read every single one,” she said. “Physics naturally seemed like the subject where I could have all these questions about how the universe works answered. I really like that physics and math complement each other, which is why I double majored in both.”
With its tailored learning approach, dedicated faculty and focus on hands-on experiences, Monmouth’s engineering and physics department is a nurturing ground for students aspiring to work in those fields. de Zwart’s journey is just one example of many of how the program equips students to achieve their academic and career aspirations.
***Courtesy of Barry McNamara, Monmouth College***
