Luke Dalzell
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Crystal Lake South High School
Hometown: Crystal Lake South, Ill.
Majors: Physics; mathematics
Activities: Augustana Physics and Engineering Society (APES); Udden Club
Internship: Nuclear physics assistant internship
Post-grad plans: Graduate school at University of Tennessee for a Ph.D.
Why Augustana?
My family is from the area, I really liked the school and its nature, and I got the best scholarships from here.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Sort of. I wanted to do a Ph.D., but I didn’t know if it would be in physics or chemistry because I was a chemistry major at that point.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Dr. Nathan Frank, and my family.
Peak experience?
Getting to go to the Michigan State University and do experiments at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).
What surprised you?
How easy it was to make friends and connections that changed my life.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I studied in Japan during J-term. I really enjoyed it, and it made me realize how much I enjoyed traveling.
What will you miss the most?
Honestly the nature and the Quad Cities in general. My mother is from here, and I’ve been coming here since I was a baby, but after I graduate, I won’t be back for a long time.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Talk to your professors and get to know them. I did my internship with Dr. Frank for two years. It is only because I made sure that I spoke up and had a good relationship with my teachers that I am where I am today. It can change the course of your life.
"Luke is a top-notch student with exceptional academic skills and the desire to help those around him. He helps everyone succeed in class, in the research lab and in his roles as a mentor and tutor. He is highly adaptable, professional and detail-oriented, which has led to successful contributions to complex analysis and simulations of new neutron detector prototypes. We anticipate future scientific contributions as he begins his physics studies in graduate school."