Stephanie Podjed, Guarini ’26, graduated with a PhD in physics and astronomy and served as the Guarini School marshal during the Investiture Ceremony and Dartmouth Commencement.
Where do you call home, and where did you earn your undergraduate degree?
Destin, Florida is home. I earned my undergraduate degrees at the University of Florida (Go Gators)!
What were you researching at Dartmouth, and what first drew you to that question?
I have always been curious about galaxies, black holes, and space in general, mostly thanks to the pretty pictures from NASA and television shows growing up. That fascination with how the universe works, and our place in it, drew me to study astronomy in college and grad school. At Dartmouth, my thesis focused on active galactic nuclei.
These are galaxies with a supermassive black hole at the center, “eating” the surrounding gas and dust. As the material falls inward, enormous amounts of energy are released, causing the center of the galaxy to glow brightly, sometimes outshining all of the stars in the galaxy combined.
How did your thinking about your research evolve from your first year to now?
I took about two years off between undergrad and grad school, so returning to academics meant an adjustment period to get back into that mindset. The early years were a steep learning curve, not just the new science I was doing, but understanding what it takes to be a researcher.
Over time, I became more comfortable with the whole process. The biggest shift was internal. I went from wondering whether I could do this work to knowing that I can, because I did it!
What’s one discovery or result, even small, that excited you?
I’ve spent years studying blazars, a specific type of active galaxy with bright jets of plasma streaming toward Earth at nearly the speed of light. They are known for their extreme brightness and rapid changes in both polarization and brightness.
One key figure in my first paper shows the exact moment when changes in the emission processes and jet caused a significant decrease in polarization levels. What made this exciting was the fact that my observations complemented those of another research group, filling in the picture of what happened and strengthening our understanding of that blazar’s jet and emission phase. Seeing independent data sets line up like that was deeply satisfying.
What’s something you learned about yourself through doing this research?
Research in physics and astronomy can be quite solitary. While it is nice being able to set my own schedule and be accountable mainly to myself, I’ve realized how much I miss being part of a larger team working toward a shared goal. That realization has shaped what I’m looking for in my next adventures: a role that offers more opportunities for strong collaboration while also allowing for autonomy.
What are you most proud of from your time at the Guarini School?
Grad school had many ups and downs over the years. I am not a naturally social or extroverted person either, so I am proud of finding a close-knit community here and persevering through it all. Thanks to my community, I have gained genuine confidence–a sense that I belong, that I can contribute meaningfully to astronomical research, and a clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses.
What’s next after graduation?
After graduation, I will be staying on at Dartmouth for the next academic year as a lecturer in the physics and astronomy department. I am grateful for the opportunity to improve my teaching skills and gain valuable classroom experience, since mentoring and supporting students matters a lot to me. Beyond that, I am open for whatever adventure comes next…hopefully one that involves me becoming an astronaut someday!
What advice would you give someone just starting a PhD at Dartmouth?
The PhD experience is not one-size-fits-all. I know it’s hard, but try to resist comparing your journey to everyone else’s–your path is your own. Also, time flies by, so make the most of it! There are a lot of fun things on and around campus to enjoy, so take advantage of the opportunities to build a community outside of the lab. And don’t underestimate a simple walk around Occom Pond–getting out of the office does wonders for clearing your mind and getting some steps in.
