Madison Newell Is Unveiling Uncomfortable Truths of the Universe

"I hope to be answering some very uncomfortable questions." That ambition drives Madison Newell ('25), a soon-to-be graduate of Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics. Her path has been anything but conventional. From nearly becoming a history teacher to diving into cutting-edge space physics research, Madison’s journey is a testament to serendipity, fierce determination and insatiable curiosity. A last-minute decision — choosing Embry‑Riddle over a history program — set her on a trajectory that would redefine her future and challenge the limits of her own potential.

From History Books to Plasma Streams: An Unlikely Spark

Growing up in the Midwest, far from STEM hubs, Madison didn’t have the classic “aha” moment of falling in love with physics. “I wasn’t surrounded by STEM growing up, and it wasn’t something easily accessible to me,” she explains. Instead, history captivated her — particularly its intricate connections and recurring patterns. “What I loved about history was how understanding it allows you to predict what comes next. It’s all about critical thinking.”

Yet, months before high school graduation, something shifted. A pamphlet from Embry‑Riddle arrived in the mail. On the same day dorm payments were due, she made a spur-of-the-moment decision to enroll. Even she couldn't fully explain the choice — but she has never regretted it. That leap of faith reflects Madison’s core: a mind that thrives on pattern recognition, embraces chaos and pursues the unknown.

The Interdisciplinary Physicist: Weaving Together Disparate Worlds

Madison’s ability to bridge disciplines defines her approach to physics. “I see physics the same way I see history — it’s all connected,” she says. While some questioned her broad academic interests — spanning space physics, applied physics and mathematics — Madison has always viewed them as essential pieces of a larger puzzle rather than separate fields.

Her fascination with plasma, often dubbed the “fourth state of matter,” fuels much of her research. “There’s a beauty to plasma. It doesn’t behave like any other system — it’s a weird, high-energy, complex phenomenon,” she explains. Plasma’s unpredictable nature demands a deep understanding of both electricity and magnetism. “It took me five years to figure out why I love physics,” she reflects, suggesting that the process of discovery is just as valuable as the outcome.

Hands-On Innovation: From Spectrometers to Spacecraft Subsystems

Madison’s research experiences have been nothing short of transformative. At the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, she was given an unprecedented level of autonomy for an undergraduate intern. “They called me an experiment,” she laughs. Instead of assigning her to a predefined role, the lab let her design her own project—a spectrometer optical design that she devised in just a week.

Her work with spacecraft subsystems was equally immersive. “I worked on seven different spacecraft subsystems,” she recalls. “They called me a systems engineering intern, but I worked on everything I could.” From batteries to optics to structural testing, she gained a holistic understanding of how different components interact. “That hands-on experience — seeing how every part of a system interconnects — was one of the most exciting things I’ve done.”

A Commitment to Mentorship: Lifting Others as She Climbs

Despite her demanding research schedule, Madison prioritizes mentorship, driven by a desire to help others succeed. “I was the kid who couldn’t sit still in class, so I taught other students instead,” she says. As a first-generation college student, she understands how challenging it can be to navigate higher education — especially in a rigorous field like physics. “When I started college, I was constantly at the tutoring center. But instead of getting tutored, I ended up tutoring other students — that’s how I learned.”

Her commitment extends beyond one-on-one mentoring. Despite not considering herself a “club person,” she founded Embry‑Riddle’s chapter of the Mathematical Association of America, creating a supportive space for students who, like her, didn’t always see themselves represented in STEM. “Sometimes, the most important work isn’t the research itself — it’s the impact you have on the people around you.”

Overcoming Obstacles: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Madison’s journey has been anything but easy. She juggled multiple jobs while managing an intense course load. “I worked three or four jobs every semester,” she says, matter-of-factly. Each semester presented a new challenge. At one point, a serious accident threatened to derail her studies. “I thought I might have to give up my career,” she admits. But she refused to let circumstances define her. Through persistence and adaptability, she pushed forward, proving to herself that no obstacle was insurmountable.

The Road Ahead: Embracing the Unknown

Now, on the cusp of graduation, Madison is eager to dive deeper into the questions that drive her. While others advise taking a break before graduate school, she sees it differently. “People tell me to take time off, but for me, grad school will be the break I’ve been waiting for.”

She doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but she is determined to find the right questions. “I don’t know exactly what I’ll discover, but my only goal is to make an impact — to find something interesting and get other people excited about it, too.” Given her ability to balance wide-ranging curiosity with laser-sharp focus, it’s safe to say she will do just that — pushing the boundaries of science while inspiring those who follow in her footsteps.