Abra Geiger
Physics and Mathematics
Rochester, N.Y.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was General Relativity, a physics class taught by Professor Tom Hartman. In this class, we learned about the nature of space and time, black holes and the structure and evolution of the universe. It was the first class where I felt my toolbox of physics skills built by my previous coursework being applied to fundamental, profound questions that deeply interest me. It was this class that made me sure I wanted to pursue a research career in fundamental physics.
What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?
Although my extracurricular involvements have varied a bit, one involvement that has stayed consistent in my involvement in dance. Growing up, I wanted to be a professional ballet dancer. I trained rather extensively and was able to travel for competitions and training at international schools on scholarship.
However, as I matured in high school, I realized my passion lay in using the creativity and discipline I learned from dance to tackle problems in physics, approaching each challenge with the same instinct for pattern and precision.
Dancing now purely for fun, I am a member of the Pandora Dance Troupe, with which I perform every semester. Dance is a powerful creative outlet for me during challenging times with academics and research. It is truly a gift to be able to move and create freely alongside such talented dancers.
I have choreographed dances for our showcases on a number of occasions, which has been a new and fun challenge for me. I hope to continue to dance after graduation. I also have taught 6- to 9-year-olds ballet since my first semester at Cornell as a part of Ballet&Books. It is very rewarding to teach such excited, youthful, and sweet kids as part of such a lovely national non-profit started right here at Cornell.
Dance will always be a very special part of who I am. Even though I may never be a part of an organized group and perform again after graduating from Cornell, I plan to take classes, engage in dance and teach dance as much as possible.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
My proudest accomplishment as a Cornelian has been getting into a Ph.D. program in my field.I feel as though all of my work has culminated in this moment, deciding my path for the next 5-7 years.
One fellowship program that greatly helped me get to this point was the McNair Scholars Program, which supports first-generation and underrepresented students in pursuit of doctoral degrees. Through research funding, mentorship and structured planning during my time as an undergraduate, McNair has been invaluable. McNair is truly an amazing community and support network that I am indebted to.
I have been involved in research since my freshman year, working in radio astronomy and theoretical astrophysics, intersecting on gravitational wave science. I have spent two summers at Cornell, one as part of the Nexus Scholars Program and one as part of the McNair Scholars Program, pursuing this research, and one summer at California Institute of Technology. These experiences have definitely been central to my education, truly putting into practice what I have learned in my classes and preparing me for day-to-day life in graduate school.
How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?
I think this has been the most important and valuable part of my time at Cornell. I have tested and learned my limits and greatest interests. I have learned to set boundaries for myself, revitalize my passion after burnout and prevent burnout. I have learned that I do my best work when I am cared for and joyous. These have been my greatest lessons at Cornell as I have been rather focused on my academics.
I have also met some really amazing people who I cherish and love spending time with. I would say that during my time at Cornell, I have found the balance between the important life aspects of work and people. I would say that I approach work with passionate ambition, but not overshadowing other aspects of myself and my relationships. This balance is a hard one to figure out, but this seems like a great place and time to do so.
I also find I have a much more global perspective and sense of the cultures and opportunities around the world. This I value after growing up in a small town.
Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series. Read more about the Class of 2026.
