Tyler Robbins has a keen interest in the cosmos.
Couple that with his desire for knowledge, and as a UToledo student Robbins found himself exploring astroparticle physics, which explores tiny particles from space and their connections to astrophysics and cosmology.
Tyler Robbins is a senior pursuing an astrophysics degree with a minor in mathematics.
Last summer, Robbins, a senior pursuing an astrophysics degree with a minor in mathematics, had a summer internship at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, to expand his research experience.
At Goddard, Robbins joined “code 661,” an astroparticle physics lab where he performed research on gamma-ray analysis, focusing on phenomena like BL Lacertae. With his dedication, Robbins worked alongside Dr. Tom Megeath, Distinguished University Professor of Astronomy, on locating young stellar objects with high variability and Dr. Rupali Chandar, professor and associate chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, on age-dating distant galaxies.
“The most valuable skill I learned from the program was how to do research at a graduate level,” Robbins said. “After this program, I feel as though I have been able to conduct research more thoroughly in my projects here at UToledo.”
The University of Toledo played an important role in his academic endeavors, providing him with opportunities to gain research experience and build his resume, which helped him secure his internship at NASA.
“I plan on going into research after I graduate, and I knew by applying here that UToledo has very good research opportunities in the Physics and Astronomy Department,” he said. “That decision paid off, as I have had many opportunities to do research here.”
Robbins expanded his research experience and knowledge with a summer internship at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Robbins serves as the president of the Society of Physics Students (SPS), a campus organization. He also is an active member of the University’s rocketry team, which builds high-powered rockets to compete in events like the NASA University Student Launch Initiative (USLI).
Just as important to his success as a student, he said, is seeking out opportunities and advice from mentors.
“I had a lot of help, not just for applying for internships, but also general grad school advice and life advice from my mentor, Dr. Michael Cushing, professor of physics and astronomy and Director of Ritter Planetarium.”
Cushing replied: “In just a few years, I have watched Tyler firmly take control of his career, set ambitious goals and systematically work to achieve them.”
Robbins is applying to graduate programs, aiming to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics. He also would like to return to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for further research and exploration.
As for future Rockets who would like to follow a similar path to success, Robbins suggests getting involved in campus activities and organizations, which may provide opportunities to further your academic and career pursuits.
“Try to get involved on campus,” he said. “Go to things, and you’ll make friends and connections that you would have otherwise never known about.”
