Abhishek Patel

Hometown: Varanasi, Uttar Pradash, India

Hobbies: Reading mystery novels.

Research Interest(s): Condensed Matter Physics; Plasma and Space Physics; Optical and Laser Physics

First Semester in Department: Fall 2025 | Courses Taught: PHYS 101L

Q&A with Abhishek

• What do you enjoy most about your work as a graduate teaching assistant?
• Teaching forces me to understand the material at a deeper level and to communicate clearly to people with different learning styles. That growth has been huge for me.
• What has been most unexpected to you about being a graduate teaching assistant?
• I didn't imagine communication and patience to matter as much as they do. Sometimes the challenge isn't the content, but figuring out the best way to reach each student, and that's been really rewarding.
• How do you expect your work as a graduate teaching assistant to help you in your career?
• Being a graduate teaching assistant has helped me build strong communication, leadership, and time-management skills. It has also boosted my confidence in public speaking. I believe these skills will be essential in my career, whether I am presenting ideas, mentoring others, or working in collaborative environments.
• Do you have any advice for future graduate teaching assistants?
• Always prepare the topic before each class; that will help you to be very organized.
• What sparked your academic and/or research interest in physics?
• I was drawn to physics because it explains the world from first principles. I enjoy the challenge of breaking complex problems into simple ideas and seeing how theory connects to real-world behavior. That curiosity is what sparked and still drives my interest in physics and research.
• What is your goal following graduation from this program?
• My goal is to deepen my expertise through advanced research and eventually work in academia or a research-focused environment where I can contribute new knowledge, collaborate on innovative projects, and continue teaching or mentoring students.