'I learned how to pose a question and then answer it'

Alexander Won: Physics and Mathematics

5/15/2026

Alexander Won

Physics and Mathematics
South Korea

What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my research experience. I have been part of quantum materials research since freshman spring. Being in a lab, I learned how to use lab equipment like cryostats to perform low temperature experiments and got comfortable with programming for analysis. My research project made me versatile and helped prepare me beyond research in how to pose a question and how to answer it.

What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

I never had a committed extracurricular as I jumped around many clubs and activities. That being said, my current favorite activity is to wander around Ithaca. I found that this semester there are great food places inside Center Ithaca. I am planning to try out Jamaican food next when I visit. I also joined the Society of Economic Geologists this semester and went to a zinc mine. Experiencing new things that are out of the ordinary is exciting to me.

What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?

I became more skeptical. It is common in physics to keep asking "why" to ultimately get to "we just assume it." I find myself questioning information that I would have trusted before my education at Cornell. So far, I find this helpful, as I do not blindly take away anything.

What are your plans for next year?

I will be attending graduate school in applied physics at Stanford University.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2026.