Curiosity Among the Stars

When it comes to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, curiosity often begins with a single question: What’s out there? For Ari Chai (’28), that question has turned into a lifelong pursuit. Now enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Space Physics at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Arizona, campus, Chai is building the foundation for a future in space science.

Originally, he planned to major in Aerospace Engineering, but that changed after he took dual enrollment courses through Embry-Riddle Worldwide in high school. He explained, “I took Intro to Engineering and Astronomy online, and these classes made me realize that I enjoyed the pure science far more than the design aspects of engineering.”

A Launchpad for Discovery

Embry-Riddle’s B.S. in Space Physics stands out for its focus on applying physics to space science and astrophysics. While many universities offer traditional physics degrees, this program dives deeper into how physics connects to the cosmos — a focus that drew Chai in.

The program also places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research from the start, encouraging students to participate in labs and projects early in their academic careers, unlike larger universities that typically reserve such opportunities for graduate students.

“I love Embry-Riddle’s Space Physics program because of how much it emphasizes undergraduate research,” he explained. “I want to go to graduate school, and having this research experience makes me feel confident in my chances of getting accepted and being successful.”

That hands-on approach began in his first semester. Invited to join the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) optics research team led by Dr. Andri Gretarsson and Dr. Elizabeth Gretarsson, both professors in the Physics department, Chai began contributing to experiments that model the birefringence — or light-bending properties — of aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) mirror coatings, materials being studied for use in next-generation LIGO detectors. His work involves building an ultra-high-finesse resonance cavity, performing precise optical alignments and modeling data using Python and MATLAB.

“The subject matter was definitely a steep learning curve,” he said, “but my mentors helped me get to where I am now, where I can start making bigger contributions to the lab’s research goals.”

Through this experience, Chai has developed technical and analytical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Outside of his work with LIGO, Chai also collaborates on projects that blend optics and astronomy. Over the summer, he assisted Dr. Noel Richardson, an astronomy professor on campus, in building a new instrument for Embry-Riddle’s 16-inch telescope.

“Since I’m also a certified observer with the Prescott Observatory Team for Analyzing Telescopically Observed Echelle Spectra (POTATOES), I was the perfect candidate to co-lead the Stellar Polarimeter for Undergraduate Studies (SPUdS) team,” he said.

The SPUdS team is currently developing a data processing pipeline that will allow students to begin collecting and analyzing data with the new polarimeter. “It’s still a work in progress,” he noted, “but we hope to have it finished by early next year.”

“My research will hopefully determine whether or not AlGaAs is a solid candidate for use in LIGO detectors,” he said. “If it is, it could reduce noise in the detectors and help separate gravitational wave signals from background noise.”

A Community of Scholars

Beyond research, Chai has found a strong sense of community on campus through clubs and organizations that connect students across disciplines. He is active in the Astronomy Club, Society of Physics Students (SPS), Out in STEM (oSTEM) and the Putnam Mathematics Competition.

“Being a part of these clubs has helped me connect with other students in my major,” he said.

Through oSTEM, Chai found both mentorship and representation. “Out in STEM has helped me a lot because it was with them that I went to my first conference,” he said. “It helped me see that there is a place for LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields.”

The supportive culture extends to the Prescott Campus itself, where smaller class sizes foster collaboration and one-on-one mentorship. “The learning environment here has definitely exceeded my expectations,” Chai said. “The small class sizes really allow room for personal growth and one-on-one time with my professors.”

Preparing for the Future

Looking ahead, Chai hopes to continue building on his undergraduate research while preparing for graduate school. “The sheer amount of research experience that I’ll have upon graduation is helping me prepare for graduate school,” he said. “Graduate school applications mainly look for candidates with research experience, so I have confidence that I’ll be accepted and adapt easily.”

In the long term, Chai envisions himself pursuing a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and contributing to large-scale research collaborations. “In 5–10 years, I’ll hopefully have finished or be finishing my Ph.D. in astrophysics or a similar field,” he said. “After that, I hope to get into a postdoc program with the end goal of landing a career in astrophysical research, especially with NASA or one of the national labs.”

His motivation is fueled by curiosity and optimism about the discoveries yet to come. “I’m most excited by all the discoveries that are constantly being made, whether on a smaller scale, such as exoplanets and star structures, or on a larger scale, such as the formation of our universe,” Chai said.

Advice for Future Students

When it comes to offering advice, Chai encourages new students to embrace the learning curve and community. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he said. “All of my professors and upperclassmen have proven to be welcoming and reliable.”

He also hopes to inspire others through his example. “I want to show future students that diversity still belongs in STEM,” he said. “We’re still here and can still achieve great things.”