Someone You Should Know

Patrick Burnett, Physics Outreach Coordinator
Department of Physics

Patrick Burnett is the first person to hold the position of physics outreach coordinator for the Department of Physics. Burnett, who recently received his master's in physics teaching, hopes to increase public awareness of ongoing science research through the position.

What are the responsibilities of your position?
The physics outreach flagship program is Frontier Physics. It's a fun science show that I, along with several wonderful volunteers, perform at the grade schools in DeKalb County to show students the wonders of science and engage them before they lose interest. Also, I am working on a science camp that NIU will be offering to students graduating seventh grade through high school this summer. It should be a blast!

How did you choose your profession?
I've always tried to listen to the little voice inside me. Entering the teaching profession was not about finding an external profession that fit my life, but finding the internal peace that allows me to perform my job.

What's the best part about your job?
Performing Frontier Physics and hearing the students gasp for a breath after a demonstration has shaken their understanding of what they thought would happen. And then hearing them yell, "Do it again!" and having a better demonstration to perform.

What's something unique about your position?
I am doing something that I love.

If you weren't in your current job field, what would you be doing?
Well, I have experience as a cook, bartender, pig farmer, toxic waste shredder, environmental engineer, casino pit boss and physics teacher. So, I imagine that world traveler is next up.

What are you reading?
I always like to have a choice of reading material depending on my mood, so I currently am reading books with the following themes: fly fishing, Ireland, world religions, superstring theory and particle physics.

What music are you listening to lately?
My music selection is a bit more eclectic than my reading list. If it sounds good, turn it up.

What good movies have you seen lately?
I've seen the best movie: "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of Ring." I also recommend "The Dish" for an enjoyable family rental. It is physics related, of course.

Do you have a favorite TV show?
TV is evil…but "Seinfeld," "The Simpsons" and "South Park" are recorded regularly.

Any words to live by?
Life isn't fair, but it sure is fun.