"Physicist Julia Thom-Levy reflects on her experience leading CAU trip to CERN"

Cornell University's School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions, 2020

Julia Thom-Levy, physics professor and vice provost for academic innovation at Cornell University, recently led Cornell’s Adult University (CAU) participants on a trip to Switzerland to visit the world’s most powerful particle accelerator at CERN and to discuss the state of modern physics.

During “CERN, Einstein, and Art: A Rare Insider’s Tour,” Julia and participants toured experiments at the Large Hadron Collider as well as famed historic and cultural sites including Albert Einstein’s stomping grounds in Bern, where he developed his Theory of Relativity, and the fascinating Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva.

A lifelong learner, Julia was inspired by her mother, who believed education is a privilege and instilled a deep respect for higher education in her children. Julia operates from this conviction, fostering an excitement for education in all around her.

Julia, who is accustomed to teaching within traditional classroom settings, shared her thoughts about leading a CAU study tour and interacting with the highly engaged, lifelong learners who participated in the trip.

What do you think is unique about the CAU education vacation experience?

CAU offers an opportunity for a comprehensive approach to learning. The mixture of art, science, and history really makes a topic come alive.

And moving in a small group, in the field, allows active learning to take place. The subject comes alive in the moment and feels very real.

What was a highlight of your trip?

There were many! Showing CAU participants the Large Hadron Collider at CERN was certainly one, but also sharing terrific Swiss food and wine and having engaged discussions about physics.

I was thrilled that the participants were always energized and open to more instruction and academic dialogue.

For example, after breakfast one morning, there was a rousing discussion about quantum computing, string theory, and supersymmetry. The conversation became so excited that the hotel manager asked CAU to leave the lounge. Imagine getting kicked out for the pursuit of knowledge! It was a funny and moving moment for me, one that I will never forget.

What was it like teaching CAU participants?

CAU students brought relaxed, open minds and expressed genuine enthusiasm for learning. Personal interest and engagement are so important to learning, and they came to the tour fully prepared and ready to explore physics.

They also brought their unique perspective and life experiences to the table.

After a long day of touring and lecturing, they would often fall into impromptu discussions that expanded on what they had learned throughout the day. I was continuously surprised, and thrilled, to find full participation at evening lectures, with active question and answer periods, often after a rigorous day of activities.

How does the CAU experience differ from your Cornell classroom?

The teaching style is more peer to peer instead of instructor to student. And the intimate numbers certainly make a difference. The simplicity of a small group makes it easier to have an impact and foster positive learning.

What would you say to future CAU teachers?

There is a freedom at CAU, an opening of the mind, without distractions. Teaching the CAU participants made me revisit my original joy and motivation to become a scientist and teacher and to explore the deeper questions. CAU brought a whole new level of enthusiasm to my teaching.

Note: Interested in traveling to CERN? Join us in October 2020

CAU will again visit this fascinating cathedral to science October 10–17, 2020, led by Prof. Jim Alexander. Learn more.

Visit CAU to explore education vacations around the world and on-campus summer courses, led by Cornell faculty and open to all.