Academics and Research / Magazine Feature

Senior Matthew Watwood balances triple major demands with ease

Matthew Watwood is a Boettcher Scholar who also has received the Robison Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the Edgar Everhart Endowed Scholarship and the David C. and Betty S. Hess Endowed Scholarship. Photo: Wayne Armstrong

Matthew Watwood is a Boettcher Scholar who also has received the Robison Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the Edgar Everhart Endowed Scholarship and the David C. and Betty S. Hess Endowed Scholarship. Photo: Wayne Armstrong

When he’s not doing homework for his triple major in physics, math and computer science, University of Denver senior Matthew Watwood is pursuing his passion for magic, performing at Colorado Avalanche games and at Elitch Gardens, where he also leads physics presentations for high school students.

“Magic is a hobby that lets me work on the other part of my mind — the creative side,” says Watwood, a Boettcher Scholar who also has received the Robison Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the Edgar Everhart Endowed Scholarship and the David C. and Betty S. Hess Endowed Scholarship.

Also on Watwood’s plate is a concurrent master’s degree in computer science and minors in intercultural global studies and electrical engineering. He does it all with a 3.92 overall GPA.

Watwood, who grew up in Oak Creek, Colo., says he appreciates the University’s smaller size and the personal attention he receives from professors. He also is a biophysics research assistant on campus and plans to apply for a summer physics internship.

“He enthusiastically accepts challenges,” says Mark Siemens, assistant professor of physics. “Matt doesn’t look for corners to cut or easy outs — he wants to know the best way to do things, and he’s willing to put in the work to do them right.”

After graduation, Watwood plans to pursue a PhD in physics with an emphasis in complex systems. Eventually he would like to teach at the high school or university level.

“You should have teachers who are the best in their fields to inspire the future generation,” Watwood says.

Siemens is excited to see where Watwood’s interests take him.

“I’m confident that he will make an important contribution to helping people wherever he goes,” Siemens says.

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