Young Scholars and Christina Washington

Christina Barrow was interested in math and science from an early age, entering her first science fair as a second grader.“I was always tinkering around the house as a child, trying to figure out how and why things worked the way they did,” she says.  By the time she reached high school, her childhood hobby of tinkering had turned into a full-fledged passion for science. When her high school physics teacher noticed her aptitude and interest, he suggested that Christina pursue engineering. She took his advice and majored in electrical engineering.  Christina works as a medical physicist for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) in Louisiana, where she is responsible for quality assurance of radiation treatments for cancer patients.  Christina describes her career as very fulfilling, especially since she knows that her work helps ensure that veterans receive quality treatment. Christina has had the opportunity to present at national conferences and participate in research projects for NASA and the USDA. She has also received several promotions and accolades for her participation in engineering and physics projects.  In her spare time, Christina judges for the Louisiana Regional Science and Engineering Fair. She tells students to stay focused and always go above and beyond what is expected. “Remain in competition with your best self,” she says.

She also expounds on the numerous career possibilities within physics, citing research, development, project management, teaching, sales, applications and support as just a few options. “There are endless opportunities for careers in physics,” she says.