Professor 101: What is it like to become a Professor in the US?

Episode Notes

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a professor? Now you can get an idea by listening to Prof. Cass Sackett’s story. He opens with his undergraduate journey at Harvey Mudd College and walks us through his path to becoming a Professor of Physics at the University of Virginia. Today, he’s a trusted supervisor, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, and a valued member of the Physics Department

Prof. Sackett reflects on why he drifted away from mathematics and recounts his professor interview experiences. He offers insightful advice on graduate admissions—sharing what makes applications stand out and how you can improve yours. Most importantly, he emphasizes that what truly matters isn’t the title you earn—but the skills and experiences you gain along the way.

Prof. Sackett's Book: "Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics: A Practical Approach" Links: https://coldatomlab.jpl.nasa.gov/who-we-are/cass-sackett/ https://uva.theopenscholar.com/cass-lab

Art: Gene Chen Editor: Cristoforo Farnese De La Rua Production: Sounds on Grounds