CWU physics grad has the stars in his sights

When Calvin Sprouse decided to attend Central Washington University, he was mostly just looking to get his bachelor’s degree and then move on with his life.

That all changed once he dipped his toes into physics.

“I came out of high school not really looking to go too far into academics,” said the 2024 graduate from North Bend. “I really just wanted to get a college degree and move on to the next thing. I discovered the physics program through engineering, and within a month, I’d rewritten my entire four-year plan to focus on it.”

While Sprouse was initially interested in pursuing a physics and engineering double-major at CWU, it soon became clear that his true passion lay with the physics side of the program. After restructuring his plan, he set about engaging with the subject matter on every front available to him, serving as a tutor, a teaching assistant, and as president of the Astronomy Club.

Then, Sprouse discovered the wonders of research.

“In the spring of my sophomore year, I took Observational Astronomy, where I learned how to use a telescope, which really set the stage for everything I’ve loved doing here,” he said. “I came in with some background in computer science, and I was able to apply that to programming the telescope to make autonomous observations of a couple of stars. That moment when I hit play on the code and watched this incredible piece of machinery come to life came to define my experience at CWU.”

Since then, Sprouse has been putting his energy toward a three-year research project studying the biophysics of brain axons (aka nerve fibers) and their role in the development of degenerative diseases.

Over the last two years, Sprouse has presented his research at conventions and events across the U.S., starting at PhysCon in Washington, D.C., the summer after his junior year. Every step of the way, he’s found himself supported by CWU faculty.

“Working with all the faculty in my department has been a very, very rewarding experience,” Sprouse said. “On a personal research level outside of the classroom, oftentimes it’s just you and a professor, focusing on getting the answers you’re looking for and learning as much as possible along the way. In particular, my research advisor, Dr. Erin Craig, has been able to support me in just about every aspect of getting my research off the ground and on the road.”

While his undergraduate research has focused on the intricacies of the human brain, Sprouse aims to pursue the study of the physical origins and evolution of our universe — known as “cosmology” — as part of his journey to a PhD in physics.

He came to realize that changing tracks has become part of his approach to academia.

“I got into research almost by accident, but the sooner you get into it, the more you can accomplish in your time here,” said Sprouse, who will pursue another bachelor’s degree in mathematics before applying to graduate school. “That said, changing paths a lot in college gave me fresh perspectives on a lot of my fields and helped me gain the flexibility that’s become necessary in today’s world.”