Women in Science - Online Interviews

Dr. Ann Viano

1. Give a brief description of your job telling what you do, (a day in your life) but also what you do specifically in your position.

Right now my career consists mainly of teaching. I am taking a break from research this year to gain some teaching experience while I search for ways to continue my research in Memphis. I came to Memphis after graduate school because my husband, also a physicist, has a permanent job here (B.K. Hoffmeister, professor of physics at Rhodes College). This year I have taught at both the University of Memphis and Rhodes College. I have taught a general physics course for undergraduates and an astronomy lecture and laboratory.

2. How did you decide upon your career? When did you know you wanted to do it and how did you prepare for it?

I became interested in physics in high school. I had my first physics class during my senior year and was completely enthralled by the course. I knew then that I wanted to study science, probably physics, but wasn't sure exactly what type of research I wanted to do until my junior year in college. Then, I worked as a research assistant for one of my professors at XEROX Palo Alto Research Center and decided to study novel materials. To prepare for this career, I received my bachelor's degree in physics and then went onto graduate school in physics at Washington University in St. Louis. After six years of working on various projects involving many different types of materials, I received my PhD in physics.

3. What is the best thing about your job?

Right now, I like the contact with students the best. It is very challenging to get students excited about science and I enjoy thinking up new strategies to help them understand some new concept. Astronomy has been the most fun to teach because it is an area where new developments and discoveries occur almost daily and this helps the students see the relationship between what they are learning in the classroom and what kinds of things are important to society.

4. What do you like the least?

The only thing I dislike is writing, giving, and grading tests.

5. As a kid, what kinds of things did you do to prepare for this job? What books did you read or what things did you do that let you know you would like this field?

As a child, I don't remember thinking about my future as a scientist. I'm not sure I did anything to help me prepare for this job. Growing up in Silicon Valley, I remember being constantly exposed to the growing computer industry, but I'm not sure this influenced me in my pursuit of a scientific career.

6. Was there any person (parent, teacher, mentor, professor) you felt influenced you to pursue this field?

No one person had a very big influence on my decision to become a scientist. Certainly the encouragement of parents and teachers helped, but there is no ONE person who stands out. My graduate thesis advisors were very patient with me, and for that I am very grateful.

7. What is your favorite quote?

I do not have a favorite quote.

8. What advice do you have for young women who might be interested in the field of science?

Advice for young women in science: To do science well, you have to really love what you do. If the desire and interest is really within you, then you will do it. Whatever career you choose, be sure it is something that you really have FUN doing. Science can be tedious and require a lot of patience, but if you are always having fun with it, then you will succeed.

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1.	Give a brief description of your job telling what you do, (a day in your life) but also what you do specifically in your position.
	Right now my career consists mainly of teaching. I am taking a break from research this year to gain some teaching experience while I search for ways to continue my research in Memphis. I came to Memphis after graduate school because my husband, also a physicist, has a permanent job here (B.K. Hoffmeister, professor of physics at Rhodes College). This year I have taught at both the University of Memphis and Rhodes College. I have taught a general physics course for undergraduates and an astronomy lecture and laboratory.
2.	How did you decide upon your career? When did you know you wanted to do it and how did you prepare for it?
	I became interested in physics in high school. I had my first physics class during my senior year and was completely enthralled by the course. I knew then that I wanted to study science, probably physics, but wasn't sure exactly what type of research I wanted to do until my junior year in college. Then, I worked as a research assistant for one of my professors at XEROX Palo Alto Research Center and decided to study novel materials. To prepare for this career, I received my bachelor's degree in physics and then went onto graduate school in physics at Washington University in St. Louis. After six years of working on various projects involving many different types of materials, I received my PhD in physics.
3.	What is the best thing about your job?
	Right now, I like the contact with students the best. It is very challenging to get students excited about science and I enjoy thinking up new strategies to help them understand some new concept. Astronomy has been the most fun to teach because it is an area where new developments and discoveries occur almost daily and this helps the students see the relationship between what they are learning in the classroom and what kinds of things are important to society.
4.	What do you like the least?
	The only thing I dislike is writing, giving, and grading tests.
5.	As a kid, what kinds of things did you do to prepare for this job? What books did you read or what things did you do that let you know you would like this field?
	As a child, I don't remember thinking about my future as a scientist. I'm not sure I did anything to help me prepare for this job. Growing up in Silicon Valley, I remember being constantly exposed to the growing computer industry, but I'm not sure this influenced me in my pursuit of a scientific career.
6.	Was there any person (parent, teacher, mentor, professor) you felt influenced you to pursue this field?
	No one person had a very big influence on my decision to become a scientist. Certainly the encouragement of parents and teachers helped, but there is no ONE person who stands out. My graduate thesis advisors were very patient with me, and for that I am very grateful.
7.	What is your favorite quote?
	I do not have a favorite quote.
8.	What advice do you have for young women who might be interested in the field of science?
	Advice for young women in science: To do science well, you have to really love what you do. If the desire and interest is really within you, then you will do it. Whatever career you choose, be sure it is something that you really have FUN doing. Science can be tedious and require a lot of patience, but if you are always having fun with it, then you will succeed.