Student Pursues Interest in Astrophysics

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Tesla Birnbaum’s love of astronomy began early in her childhood. As a child, her parents would read books with her about astronomy and space, and Birnbaum says she has always been fascinated by it. They encouraged her to follow her passion for astrophysics and guided her to succeed in school. With hard work and dedication to her studies, Birnbaum was selected as a National Merit® Finalist and was a 2007 graduate and valedictorian of Arbor View High School in Las Vegas.

Birnbaum received the President’s Scholarship, which covered her tuition and provided her with room and board in her first year of school. “I’ve really gotten to know a lot of people thanks to living on campus,” said Birnbaum. “My first year at UNLV has been great. I’m enjoying the classes and the faculty have been really nice to work with.”

This summer, she is participating in a special research project at UNLV where she will study gamma-ray bursts with UNLV astrophysics faculty member Bing Zhang. She is one of only 40 students in the state invited to participate in this program through the National Science Foundation.

Birnbaum’s goal is to become a professor and researcher in astrophysics. She credits receiving the President’s Scholarship for affording her the opportunity to obtain a quality college education while being able to live close to her family.