Beija Flor

What’s your favorite class? How has it expanded your knowledge?

I’m torn between Differential Equations with Paul Allen and Useful Art with Jess Perlitz. Differential Equations was the most fun I’ve had with mathematics because Paul worked with the material to make it more accessible and engaging. Useful Art was such a different approach to art-making and every single student walked away from that class with new skills, passions, and general excitement towards our own art practices.

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

It was made known to me when I attended Admitted Students day that (1) women on this campus succeed and are provided the platform to excel alongside the men on campus, and (2) my double major in Physics and Art would be fully supported and pushed by my professors and all faculty on this campus!

Why did you choose to study overseas in Italy? What has your overseas study added to your L&C experience so far?

I’m baffled that I was able to graduate in four years with my double major and also study abroad! Being in Italy broadened my knowledge of both art and science. I think it’s very important for all people—student or not—to experience travel, new languages, new food, new culture. After my program I traveled around Europe by myself for two months and learned so much about myself through my experiences with other people. My experience allowed me to find my confidence and own agency as a young woman in this big world!

What connections do you see between your two majors of physics and studio art? How do you manage the requirements for two intense majors?

During the fall semester of my senior year I received two grants that allowed me to attend a science and art convergence conference in Manhattan, New York. I then gave a lecture through the physics colloquium in the following spring term about the relationship between science and art. It seems to me that they exist in a codependent relationship. Both science and art function with the aid of one another and need materials/resources/knowledge provided by the other fields of knowledge to further their own. They both provide a type of lens to understand the world around us. They both seek beauty and truth in all things and I have come to know the two as nearly indistinguishable.

Managing the requirements has been a whirlwind of luck and flexibility. I couldn’t have done this without the help of my advisors Michael Broide (physics) and Jess Perlitz (art). Their dedication to helping me pursue and achieve my goals has been essential to my success. I am so grateful for both of them, their patience and imagination.

“You will never know which school is perfect for you until you create that space for yourself with the resources around you: activate the space and utilize everything that you can get your hands on!”

What advice do you have for prospective students?

You will never know which school is perfect for you until you create that space for yourself with the resources around you: activate the space and utilize everything that you can get your hands on! Four years flies by much faster than you would think!

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

“Scampus”—the graduate campus—has a huge grass lawn with hidden gems all around it. There are two gardens, a rose bed, daffodil patches, a tree-swing, and little pathways to sitting spots.

Have you had the opportunity to do research with a professor? If so, please describe the project and the experience.

My last semester at Lewis & Clark College I pursued an independent study with Michael Broide to build permanent installation ‘demos’ in Olin for the Physics department. It allowed me to figure out how to make useful and interactive art for both students and professors for years to come.

How do you manage stress?

Go outside!! This campus is beautiful and filled with lovely plants and trees all over. Whenever I feel cooped up inside with too much work, I step outside (rain or shine) and take a deep breath and take a walk.