Senior Spotlight: Noah King
From Lasers to Polymers and Material Science
This is the next in a series of senior spotlights for our 2026 Simpson Physics and Physics-Engineering graduates. We asked each senior to reflect on what brought them to Simpson, what they learned along the way, and where they are headed next. Next up is Noah King, a Chemistry+Physics double major who will be continuing his work in a PhD program at Iowa State next year.
Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Noah King, and I’m from Indianola. I started out here pursuing a Chemistry major, and found out about Physics and tacked that on along the way.
Why did you choose to come to Simpson College? It has always been obvious that I never wanted to attend a larger university with those several hundred seat lecture halls. Growing up around Simpson, it didn’t feel like there was a reason to go elsewhere.
What drew you to physics or engineering in the first place? Frankly, I wouldn’t have taken a class at all had it not been required as part of my chemistry major. I don’t know that I enjoyed intro physics semester that much, but I did well enough in it I knew I couldn’t stop there. I was convinced to take a Laser Science class by Dr. Olsgaard, and after that I wanted to get a minor, which turned into a major the year after that. I’m very glad intro physics was required.
What was your favorite Simpson experience? My first ‘research’ project in the Spring of my junior year. I worked with an outside company in the math department called AgLeader. I recall sitting on the first day with no idea how to proceed, and it was incredibly satisfying growing to confidently discuss it. That experience clearly convinced me research was right for me.
What was the most challenging part of your time here, and how did you deal with it? For a literal answer...Organic Chemistry semester two. But really, I’d say it was building the mentality of thinking as a problem solver, and not just a plug and chugger. I think this is just something that built itself over time in the upper level classes.
Tell us about your capstone project. What did you do, and what were you most proud of?I worked with Dr. Olsgaard on building and characterizing a dye laser. The project wasn’t without pitfalls, but in the end I’m mainly proud of all the experience I had with (1) Instrumentation, and (2) Troubleshooting what’s not working. Those two things are certain to be in my future.
What skills or experiences do you feel best prepared you for what’s next? See below for what’s next. I’m glad that I’ve been able to combine all the theory, math, and instrumentation of a physics degree with the wet lab experience of a chemistry degree. Both of these skills will be prevalent in my future.
What are your plans after graduation, or what are you excited about moving forward?I’ll be pursuing a PhD at Iowa State in Materials Science and Engineering with a focus in Polymers.
Good luck, Noah! We know you’ll make us proud at Iowa State.
About the Author:
Aaron Santos is an innovator, author, and physicist. He’s written two books, How Many Licks? Or, How to Estimate Damn Near Anything and Ballparking: Practical Math for Impractical Sports Questions, which teach the art of estimation in fun and irreverent ways. He founded two nanoscience companies and is currently writing his third book, which explores the history, science, and future of nanotechnology. You can follow him on BlueSky.
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