My name is Faye-Marie Vassel. I was born in the Bronx, NY. I am currently a freshman at Stony Brook University pursing a major in Physics and minor in Russian Language and Literature. My earliest memories are of my father simply spending time with me. This is most probably due to the fact that I am an only child. The role that my father has played in my life thus far is quite a significant one for many of his traits reside in me. The various aspects of diversity, for example my mother is Russian and my father is Jamaican, that my parents have bestowed upon me have most definitely been influencing factors on my mindset and my current course of study.

Prior to high school, my interests were primarily focused on literature. My father's involvement in the literary world most definitely reinforced this interest. I could always be found with a book in one hand and pen in the other. Up unto this day my interest in literature has not waned. Orhan Pamuk's Istanbul, Leo Tolstoy short story "Family Happiness", and Jack Kerouac's On the Road ... are just a few of my favorite literary works of art.

However, my parents' diverse interests have also helped me to be well rounded and in some ways spark my interest in my current area of study. My mother, a former OB/GYN, always emphasized the practicality and primarily the importance of the sciences. There would not go a conversation that pertained to my future that would pass without her saying that literature is enthralling but the sciences are grounded and often times far more intriguing. A bias of course, however I would have to admit the practicality and intrigue I saw in science. This being the case when I was offered the opportunity, while in my sophomore year in HS, to partake in the after-school high school program at the American Museum of Natural History (NY, NY) I was elated.

This semester I am taking an array of classes. Out of these classes my math/science based courses are: Honors Classical Physics II, Multivariable Calculus, and the course that I am writing this short biography for- WSE 187, Introduction to Research-.

The purpose of WSE 187 is to expose WISE freshmans to research via means of hands on work. The course culminates in a presentation of the research project(s) that one has worked out during the duration of the semester. I feel privileged to be in this program for the fact that I want to pursue a career in research and this course thus far has definitely given me a whole new perspective as to what different types of research entails.

Faye-Marie Vassel 24 March 2008