Ayshea Banes spent her time at Wichita State University learning the ins-and-outs
of how to do research to prepare herself for her future pursuit of a doctoral degree.
Meet a Shocker: Ayshea Banes
April 26, 2023
By Strategic Communications
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a range of degrees combined
with the resources and applied learning opportunities found in Kansas' largest city—equipping
our graduates for successful careers almost anywhere.
Ayshea Banes has only just begun her educational career as she plans to pursue her
doctorate after graduating from Wichita State University.
Ayshea is one of more than 2,200 students eligible for spring 2023 graduation. Learn
more about her time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Mascoutah, Illinois
Degree
Bachelor of Science in physics
What made you want to attend Wichita State?
At first, it was the fact that I got in-state tuition through the Shocker City Partnership,
but after visiting for the first time, I fell in love with the beauty and atmosphere
of the campus and all the amazing people I met during my tour.
How are you feeling leading up to graduation?
I am so excited and thankful. My three years at WSU have been amazing, and I am forever
grateful for all the opportunities and people I have met along the way. However, I
am so excited for what is to come after graduation and my next journey in academia.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student was the learning curve of doing research. I was
always told that research is difficult, but once I finally began my own, I finally
understood how true that statement is. While the learning curve is still a struggle,
I have an amazing advisor, Dr. Nick Solomey, and incredible graduate students within
the lab that help me whenever I have a question or point me in the right direction
to get the answer.
What has been your most helpful learning experience at Wichita State?
Again, my research. It has taught me simply how to do research, how to ask the right
questions and how to code. It has also provided me with a number of opportunities
to present the work that I do and talk about it with various people. Along with giving
me the chance to talk about the thrilling things happening in the physics department.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to earn my doctorate in physics.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
Do not be afraid to put yourself out there. College is the perfect place to meet new
people and network. There are so many faculty and staff members and other students
that are doing incredible things, and if you're interested in what they are doing,
ask questions about it. People love talking about things they are passionate about,
and it makes talking about it even better if the person asking truly wants to know
more about it.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling
almost 22,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from
every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are
recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in
the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),
Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of
applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one
of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing
over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
