Name: Sean Brudney
Major: Physics
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Class: 2017
Claim to Fame: The reason Sean was an interview target was because he was chosen as one of two students to go to Geneva, Switzerland in the Spring of 2016. It can be assumed that this guy is one smart cookie. Perhaps by probing his mind and it’s dark corners we can understand what it takes to be one of the most outstanding physics majors of his class. A free form interview with the goal of providing, you, the reader, with a look into the head of this man some have called, polished professional and a great boyfriend.
Favorite Scientist and why?
Michael Faraday. Having almost no formal education, Faraday was the first to figure out the basics of electromagnetism. Without his relentless experimentation, scientists would still be completely confounded at how a simple bar magnet works and there would be no electrical devices of any kind.
Favorite Quote?
“All science is either physics or stamp collecting.” -Ernest Rutherford
What is one piece of common knowledge do you wish to let everyone know is wrong?
The Earth is in fact actually flat.
Why did you choose Notre Dame?
My family drove through South Bend on the way to the East Coast for vacation one summer. I was only about 11 years old and my dad decided we should take a break from the road by checking out the campus. I got out of the car and was mesmerized by the summer sunlight glistening off of the Dome and the gorgeous quads. It was my goal from then on to make it here. I also found the science program to be pretty great later in high school.
If you could change one thing about Notre Dame, what would it be?
Warmer.
What has been the best class that you’ve taken here? Why?
Physics B. I was so clueless in that class. By the grace of God (or a generous curve) I got a B+. We learned about the Theory of Gravity, wave motions, thermodynamics, fluids, acoustics, optics, and ended with special relativity. It was horrible and I loved every minute of it. It made me realize physics is my calling.
How has being in Keenan shaped your Notre Dame Experience?
Being in a dorm that is known for being the best dorm on campus is pretty awesome. Its great always having the option to be involved with so many activities that the dorm has such as lecture series presented by ND professors in the basement on a wide variety of topics, section sports, and the greatest show in Stepan: THE Keenan Revue.
What made you want to get involved with Dismas House, Keenan Hall’s weekly volunteering opportunity?
Keenan has been sending residents to Dismas House for years now and I felt it was important that I participate in going to learn how Dismas House helps former criminal offenders move back into society and helps them gain the skills they need to become good citizens.
What do you hope to gain out of your study abroad experience in Geneva?
I hope to gain real life research experience that professional physicists have, such as those working on the Large Hadron Collider. It will hopefully help me determine what type of work and field of physics I want to focus on in my professional career. I also need to work on my French.
Do you expect to even be able to look at the Large Hadron Collider?
I’m pretty sure CERN has tours of the facilities, which includes the LHC. I’ll make sure to take lots of pictures. What I really hope to do is help OPERATE the LHC.
What has been your best memory from Notre Dame so far?
My first week on campus, I sat on the quad with my newly found friends until 1 a.m. We all knew we had class at 8:20 but none of us cared because we all realized that we were all finally in college and there was no one to make us go to bed.
I understand you have a lot of friends in PDub, how has their friendship influenced your Notre Dame Experience so far?
During frosh-o, I met several of my now good friends from PDub. Since then, I’ve made even more friends throughout campus and even met my now girlfriend from PDub. If I were to only have male friends, I would only be getting half of the Notre Dame experience. My parents pay way too much for me to go here without me gaining the social ability to talk to women.
Who is one person that everyone on earth should have lunch with? Living or dead?
Definitely Shaquille Johnson. You will either end up with one hell of friend afterwards or feeling much better about how sane you are.
How did you feel about the UK vs. ND game?
Damn good game. We are now a basketball school.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Bohemian Rhapsody (or really any song)
Favorite Disney princess, and why?
Marie Curie. Because Cinderella did not discover two elements, Jasmine was not the first female professor at the University of Paris, and while Mulan did single handedly save China from the Huns, she did not win a single (let alone two) Nobel Prizes. I am not sure how good of a singer she was.
What legacy do you hope to leave at ND?
Maybe a building or 5. But at the very least be successful enough one day to help future students at Notre Dame to succeed through whatever resources I have.
Number 1 thing on your bucket list?
See the aurora borealis just as an X-class solar flare hits the Earth’s Magnetosphere.
What’s your spirit animal?
Albert Einstein, obviously. Have you seen his hair?
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