What We Do:

Undergraduate Diversity and Inclusion in Physics (UDIP) is a club committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone within the physics department at UCSB. We work with the department and coordinate with faculty, students, and other clubs to provide resources, hold workshops, and plan other fun events for the UCSB physics community.


UDIP Officers:

Siddharth Mukherjee (he/him)
President


Why do you do physics?
To help contribute to humanity’s understanding of the universe!
Favorite planet:
Jupiter because its moons are really cool!
Interesting fact unrelated to physics:
I love classic theater and musicals! My favorite play is The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, and my favorite musical is Heathers!
A positive change you’d like to make for the UCSB physics community:
I’d like to help make it easier for students of all backgrounds to get adjusted to being a physics major at UCSB, whether that’s through social events or through better communication of physics resources!

Fernanda Vasquez Sanchez (they/she)
Vice President


Why do you do physics?
Ever since I picked up a physics book in 3rd grade, I knew I wanted to study the universe and how it works.
Favorite planet:
Saturn is my favorite planet because I did a presentation on it as a kid and it appealed to me aesthetically and from an informative standpoint.
Interesting fact unrelated to physics:
Something interesting me unrelated to physics is I play piano and make music!
A positive change you’d like to make for the UCSB physics community:
My experiences as a queer woman of color have influenced me to make UCSB physics more accessible to underrepresented communities, because everyone deserves a chance to understand the workings of the world : )

Rachel Darlinger (she/her)
Secretary


Why do you do physics?
I do physics for the knowledge of everything around us and for the discoveries still to be made.
Interesting fact unrelated to physics:
My mother inspired me to learn American Sign Language and now we can sign to each other without others knowing.
A positive change you’d like to make for the UCSB physics community:
I would like the physics department to be a supportive and helpful place for all students and for us to ease out of the pressure we feel to compete with one another constantly.

Lee Fowler (they/them)
Treasurer


Why do you do physics?
Because I want to understand how we fit into this big giant universe of ours.
Favorite planet:
Neptune! It’s a really beautiful ice giant and it has 6 faint rings which is really cool :).
Interesting fact unrelated to physics:
I was a gymnast for several years (my physical therapist is not a fan of my hyper-mobility </3)
A positive change you’d like to make for the UCSB physics community:
I just want minorities and underprivileged students to feel like they belong here. This field is hard enough without people working against you every step of the way, but I hope with some effort we can make it better.

Josh Scott (he/him)
Merchandise Chair


Why do you do physics?
I study physics because I enjoy problem solving and seeing the way that real-life systems work on a fundamental level.
Favorite planet:
I think Jupiter is cool with all its moons and the Great Red Spot. My favorite is Io!
Interesting fact unrelated to physics:
I like to do cybersecurity and rugby in my free time!
A positive change you’d like to make for the UCSB physics community:
I’d like new students to feel more comfortable asking for help and reaching out to others. Our community has a lot to offer, and I hope that all our resources can find the students who could benefit from them!

Liz Phillips (they/them)
Website & Media Chair


Why do you do physics?
I like learning how the universe works! It’s kind of like learning magic, but in real life.
Favorite planet:
Earth because it has a ton of diverse geographical features and huuuuuge oceans.
Interesting fact unrelated to physics:
I love making things! Drawing, painting, writing, 3D printing, coding, it’s all art!
A positive change you’d like to make for the UCSB physics community:
I want physics students to feel more connected to each other, and not be afraid to get involved or reach out. It’s an intimidating subject to pursue, but we’re all in the same boat.