Scaling the Cosmos: Hailey Murray’s Ascent in Space Physics

Humankind has long turned to the starry sky for answers to life’s biggest mysteries. Fortunately, not everyone needs to be an astronaut to explore the vast unknown.

Hailey Murray (’25) is a dreamer adventuring into the science of outer space. She’s using the language of mathematics to understand forces in nature beyond Earth’s atmosphere while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Space Physics at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus.

Two years after our last interview with Murray, we revisited her story to chart her progress and explore the horizons that lie ahead.

The Climb to Embry‑Riddle

For Murray, Embry‑Riddle wasn’t just a place to earn a degree — it was a gateway to discovery. Inspired by a love of math and a fascination with physics sparked by the YouTube channel PBS Space Time, she found the perfect fit in the Space Physics program, where she could explore the mysteries of the universe.

“The Space Physics program has certainly lived up to my initial intrigue and made me aware of fields of physics that I had not heard about before going to Embry‑Riddle.”

Her journey has been shaped by both exploratory coursework and the mentorship of dedicated professors. “My professors have always been responsive and helpful when I ask questions regarding their research.” The hands-on nature of the program has deepened her understanding, exposing her to concepts she had never encountered before.

Nowadays, when not devising math calculations, she enjoys rock climbing. In a way, scaling vertical slopes is like solving complex math equations. It takes enormous perseverance, discipline and strategic thinking to overcome one’s challenges.

A Unique Learning Experience

What sets Embry‑Riddle’s Space Physics program apart? For Murray, it’s the personal connections she has built within the department.

Her learning experience has been enriched by hands-on research opportunities and even a few unexpected moments of joy — like when Dr. Darrel Smith, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, surprised her class with doughnuts during their Physics II final.

Lessons From the Cosmos

Some of the most valuable lessons Murray has learned extend beyond equations and experiments.

“Sometimes you are not going to know where exactly research is taking you... discovering that is part of the process.”

Under the guidance of Dr. Quentin Bailey, her advisor for General Relativity (GR) research, she tackled some of the field’s most complex problems.

“Dr. Bailey had me derive solutions for the Einstein Field Equations for a static and spherically symmetric black hole as an exercise for research. This was fundamental for deepening my understanding of GR as a field.”

A Place to Call Home: The Cave

While rigorous coursework and research are at the heart of Murray’s academic experience, having a supportive environment has made all the difference.

One place has been a cornerstone of her studies: a research room in the STEM building known as “The Cave.”

“This room provides a space to collaborate with peers on difficult assignments and make friends. I spend most of my time on campus in the Cave, and it has helped me grow a community of good friends who also share an interest in physics and STEM in general.”

Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom

Murray’s passion for physics extends beyond her own studies. She’s actively given back to the academic community as a teaching assistant for the Optics Lab course and as a tutor at Embry‑Riddle's Tutoring Center.

She has also played a role in raising funds for fellow students.

“One of the many highlights of my extracurricular activities was raising money for the Society of Physics Students to help send students to conferences by participating in their popular fundraising activities such as the Pi Week Bake Sale.”

Exploring the Boundaries of Science

Murray’s research has taken her to the cutting edge of physics and mathematics.

“I have been fortunate enough to participate in two research projects at Embry‑Riddle — one with the physics department on ‘Black Hole Solutions with Spacetime Symmetry Breaking’ and one with the mathematics department on ‘Classifying Quantum Adjacency Matrices.’”

Her interests lie in some of the most profound areas of modern physics.

“The research topics I am most interested in include General Relativity (GR), Quantum Information Theory (QIT) and Quantum Gravity,” she said.

Women in STEM: Overcoming Challenges

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in certain STEM fields. Murray acknowledged that among the challenges, there are strong support systems available.

“Sometimes I can feel isolated as a woman in physics, but attending conferences such as the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics (NCUWM) reminded me that there is a strong support system in place for women in STEM.”

Her advice to other women considering a STEM career?

“For any women who may be interested in pursuing a career in STEM, I would encourage them to pursue what they are passionate about and attend conferences such as the NCUWM to make connections with those who may be facing similar struggles.”

Advice for Future Scientists

For those who find math intimidating, Murray offered this encouragement:

“I understand that math can be an intimidating subject due to how abstract it is. I would encourage those who may be challenged in math to consider a situation where they understood a mathematical concept and try to find what made it click.”

She emphasized the importance of seeking help and making personal connections with educators.

Like learning any other subject, she explained, it helps to make math more relatable and tangible, “Contextualize math with real-world problems or pictures, and talk one-on-one with a professor or teacher who best suits your personal learning style.”

A Career Path to Enjoy

Murray’s journey is far from over. With graduation on the horizon, she is already preparing for the next step in her academic career.

“I plan to complete a Ph.D. in physics after graduating from Embry‑Riddle. I have gotten three offers from graduate schools so far, but I have not finalized where I am going.”

“As of now, I am particularly interested in pursuing research in Quantum Information Theory as a graduate student.”

Her ultimate goal?

“My teaching and research experiences at Embry‑Riddle have been very rewarding, so a professorship seems like a career path that I would enjoy.”

A Dinner With a Legend

If she could have dinner with any mathematician or physicist, past or present, Muray knew exactly who she would choose.

“I would bring Emmy Noether to life and ask her about the development of her theorem, relating symmetries in nature to conservation laws. I think I would take her to Bill’s Pizza.” Imagine this: a lady mathematician who revolutionized modern physics, whom Albert Einstein called a “creative genius,” hanging out at a cozy pizza joint in Prescott. Sounds like a party we’d love to join!

With a future as bright as the stars she studies, Hailey Murray’s journey through Embry‑Riddle has been one of discovery, determination and passion — proof that when you reach for the cosmos, the possibilities are endless.

The College of Arts and Sciences at Embry‑Riddle's Prescott Campus produces industry-ready, critical-thinking graduates equipped to revolutionize their fields. Learn more about Embry‑Riddle Prescott Campus’ Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Space Physics program or contact admissions today!