PGSS 2024

When our parents walked out the doors of Donner House in June, we came to a common realization: I’m really here for 5 weeks. As the TAs led us to our rooms, we noticed the Animal Crossing decorations scattered throughout Donner. Tom Nook greeted us at the door, characters reminded us to sign out when leaving the Green Zone, and dorm room doors proudly displayed Animal Crossing character name tags for their soon-to-be occupants.

Starting PGSS felt a lot like beginning a new game of Animal Crossing—an unfamiliar island, full of new challenges and opportunities. Us Govies came from all walks of Pennsylvania life: from knowing how to ride a horse and drive a tractor to being familiar with stuffing ourselves into crowded buses in bustling cities. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say we were connected by the shared rollercoaster of emotions that was ahead of us. The emotions we felt that day ranged from excitement to nervousness to anticipation: the awkwardness of the campus tour, trying to remember which direction we came from and where we were going; the excitement of being on the famed Carnegie Mellon campus; the thrill of the coursework ahead; and the anticipation of the friendships to come. And just when we thought the emotions were behind us, walking out of the Opening Ceremony, we were swept up in the excitement all over again at the annual (and iconic) PGSS Square Dance.

As Professor Alison said to kick off Modern Physics, “time is time.” But, realistically, how much influence could 5 weeks have on our lives? Looking back, we quickly realized that PGSS had packed an incredible amount into those short weeks. There was, of course, chaos (shoutout to the Chaos Theory team projects!), but in between the late-night card games, pool tournaments, pickleball matches, and the stress of homework in the Ice Cube alongside our lovely TAs, PGSS changed our lives in ways we never expected.

Almost in sync to when us Govies made this realization, Professor Alison confirmed it for us as he corrected his previous statement: “time is not time, t ≠ t’.” In just 5 weeks, we transformed Donner House into Donner Home. We learned a frankly crazy amount of coursework and built deep, meaningful friendships—friends you’d expect to make over many years. Our previously unfamiliar Animal Crossing island had turned into a cozy, bustling village. Every nook had a story, and every villager became a part of our PGSS family.

“This is the one day I teach you something with an actual application,” said Professor Walker during a lecture on graph theory in July. While Discrete Math is known for its theoretical challenges and sometimes quirky problems (instant insanity cubes, anyone?), we’d say Professor Walker underestimated himself. Did we learn niche things just for fun? Absolutely! But more than that, we gained skills that we’ll carry with us for life: thinking critically, solving problems, and approaching challenges with ambition, passion, and creativity. These skills—this *Govie mindset*—didn’t just get us through Discrete Math problem sets; they’ll help us tackle any obstacle we face in life. It had only been 5 weeks, but we were left with an eternity of memories and inspiration.

If you’re reading this as a potential applicant, please don’t hesitate to apply! We promise you won’t regret it. We were once in your shoes—unsure of what to expect, typing away at the two PGSS application essays—but we can confidently say that applying to PGSS was one of the best decisions we ever made. Don’t worry, we’ve left some advice for you! The rest of this page will give you a glimpse of the incredible experiences that await. And if you’ve already received your acceptance letter, congratulations! Get ready for an unforgettable summer… and we are SO beating you at capture the flag!

The pinnacle of the PGSS program is the highly anticipated PGSS Symposium, where innovation and collaboration come to life. Every Govie joins a team project that aligns with their interests. Over the course of five weeks, they collaborate with their team to write a research paper, which will be published in the PGSS journal and presented at the symposium. The 2024 team projects are listed below:

PGSS wouldn’t have been the transformative experience it was without our incredible staff. The TAs brought an infectious energy, combining their expertise with a playful spirit that made learning both enjoyable and engaging. They were always ready to lend a helping hand, providing support and encouragement whenever needed. By the end of the program, the TAs were more than staff, they were friends.

Meanwhile, the faculty captivated us with their passion and dedication, igniting our curiosity and pushing us to explore new ideas. Their commitment to our growth fostered an inspiring environment where we could thrive. Together, they created a community that not only nurtured our academic pursuits but also made every moment memorable.