George Dufresne, Bishop’s Graduate 2023: Accepted in PhD program in Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College

His inspiration to pursue physics was sparked by a variety of sources. The first glimpse into the world of science came during his childhood visits to museums and planetariums, where he was captivated by the mysteries of the universe. Another catalyst was his deep appreciation for applied mathematics, recognizing its crucial role in the study of physics. However, it was his initial physics class at Bishop’s University, taught by Professor Nelson, that truly ignited his passion and set him on his educational journey. George specially chose Bishop’s for its smaller class size, which fostered close interactions with professors. These one-on-one engagements significantly contributed to his academic growth, allowing ample time for discussions and critical thinking. Beyond the confines of the classroom, Bishop’s offered numerous undergraduate research opportunities, particularly in the field of physics. This invaluable experience allows George to conduct research during his undergraduate studies and gain practical knowledge in his scientific domain. Professors Nelson, who had become George’s undergraduate advisor, played an integral role in nurturing his enthusiasm. Physics, for George, has always been a whirlwind of relentless questioning and an unwavering quest for answers, fueling the scientist within him.

George Dufresne has received acceptance into the esteemed PhD program in Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College, a moment that fills him with immense excitement and gratitude for this remarkable opportunity. Dartmouth’s status as an Ivy League institution, its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, and its provision of world-class research prospects make it an ideal destination for pursuing a doctoral degree. Among the key reasons George chose Dartmouth College, the exceptional faculty stands out prominently, as he holds a keen interest in collaborating with many of them and benefiting from their expertise. Additionally, Dartmouth’s intimate learning environment and smaller size closely align with the academic experience he valued during his time at Bishop’s University, making it an appealing continuation of his educational journey. Looking ahead, George envisions two potential career paths following the completion of his PhD. The first involves academia, where he aspires to become a professor, imparting knowledge to and inspiring the next generation of physicists or astrophysicists. Alternatively, a career as a research scientist, working in laboratories or even prestigious organizations like NASA, where he can contribute to groundbreaking scientific endeavors.

Big summer news before leaving for his new adventure:

This summer, George has an incredible opportunity ahead as he prepares to embark on an internship at NASA. He stumbled upon this opportunity and decided to apply on a whim. Following a successful interview, he was thrilled to receive an offer for the summer internship. His prior research experience with Dr. Nelson played a pivotal role in securing this prestigious opportunity, demonstrating the value of his academic background. Throughout the internship, George will be involved in a project that investigates the turbulent dynamics of the sun and stars. Employing a data-assimilation approach with 3D radiative Magnetohydrodynamic models, the project aims to unravel the intricate workings of these celestial bodies. Additionally, George will have the privilege of utilizing NASA Ames’ state-of-the-art supercomputing system and as part of his responsibilities, he will also contribute to the development of codes for data processing and analysis, allowing him to refine his skills in these crucial areas of scientific exploration.

Joannie St-Germain M.Sc.
Research Officer
Office of Research and Graduate Studies
819-822-9600 ext. 2242