One student’s journey from binge-watching physics to studying hadrons
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – In a decade where the most popular shows for teenagers included drama-filled series about dystopian societies, werewolves and romance, Samuel Bevins, a William & Mary graduate student conducting research at Jefferson Lab, chose popular science over science fiction.
Using his local library's free video service, Bevins would often binge-watch videos on quantum chromodynamics (QCD). His inquisitive nature about the world around him fueled a desire to learn everything he could about QCD and how it describes the building blocks of matter. He was particularly interested in learning about the 3D structure of hadrons. Hadrons are subatomic particles made up of two or more even tinier particles called quarks. The protons and neutrons that come together to make the nucleus of the atom are hadrons made from quarks and described by QCD.
“I remember as a kid thinking it was insane that we didn’t know exactly what the inside of a hadron looked like,” Bevins said. “We know enough to understand the structure of the hadron and that the strong force holds it together, but we don’t really know what it actually looks like.”
That curiosity would eventually lead him to the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, but not before a detour through self-doubt.
After being homeschooled from third grade through graduation, Bevins enrolled at a local community college, setting aside his scientific dreams. He'd convinced himself that studying theoretical frameworks and hadron properties was for other people – people he imagined were simply smarter than him.
But everything changed during his freshman year. His linear algebra professor introduced him to effective study techniques, a fundamental skill Bevins hadn't realized he was missing.
Shortly after, David Richards, a senior staff scientist at Jefferson Lab, selected Bevins for DOE’s Community College Internships (CCI) program. Bevins would later describe the opportunity as one that influenced the entire trajectory of his life.
"Students coming through the CCI program rarely have an already rooted interest in theory," Richards said. "That caught my attention, but Sam’s enthusiasm stood out the most."
Even with a limited mathematical background, Bevins' determination and curiosity shone through in his application.
"I shared that I hadn't even completed Calculus I or linear algebra yet," Bevins said. "I hadn't taken physics or anything, but I was so interested in these topics, and I was willing to put in the time and work to learn, so that was what I wrote."
The CCI opportunity led Bevins to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he pursued a double major in pure mathematics and physics.
“When he went to VCU, he was very focused on more mathematical topics. And you could really see how he evolved from being primarily working on the computer side to somebody who was really driven by the physics questions,” said Richards.
Bevins' dedication earned him two terms in the DOE’s Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program, the natural progression from CCI for undergraduates. Though both internships were virtual due to the global pandemic, the experience provided incredible learning and networking opportunities.
As a SULI intern, Bevins was able to continue his research and mentorship with Richards, an experience he recalls as inspiring and humbling.
“David would use his tablet and completely describe the types of particles and their interactions. He was really good at breaking down the math in a way that I could understand at the time because I had just started taking linear algebra,” Bevins said.
A typical day at the lab could include anything from virtual theory seminars and lattice QCD meetings (using computers to understand QCD) to Python practice (Python is a popular computer programming language used in science). The experience put Bevins working side by side with scientists at the forefront of the world’s most cutting-edge scientific advancements.
"Sam is very broad in his interests, and this has and will continue to aid in his success as a theorist,” said Richards. “For example, he's interested in quantum computing, and we have a QCD project we are working on. He gets excited about it and goes around reading background material."
Now at William & Mary as a graduate student, Bevins reflects on his journey with pride.
"By the time I finished my SULI internships with him, I was ready for the graduate-level quantum mechanics that I am currently taking," he said. "It has been incredible to look back and make those connections to my early conversations with David and all the times I would ask, 'So how does this work?' And now I can describe a lot of those same theories myself."
Programs like CCI and SULI offer more than just scientific advancement opportunities. They create relationships and experiences that develop self-confidence and empower the next generation STEM workforce to confidently transition from interns to professionals.
Further Reading
Community College Internships (CCI) Program Application Deadline | Department of Energy
Contact: Michelle Alvarez, Jefferson Lab Communications Office, malvarez@jlab.org