The how and why: Vincent Le’s applied physics path at PLU
Image: Vincent collects soil samples on PLU’s campus for his capstone project comparing radiation levels here to levels near Mount St. Helens.
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communications
Senior Vincent Le ’26 sums up applied physics in a nutshell: “You can think of it as the study of how objects physically interact in the universe. Things physically happen for a reason, my major studies the how and why.”
After completing his contract as a nuclear operator in the Navy, Vincent was ready to move straight into the workforce. But a suggestion from family shifted his direction, pointing him toward PLU. “My sister-in-law, who is a PLU graduate, suggested I attend college instead and get a degree.” And the applied physics degree? “I figured it would be the best transition, given my experience as a nuclear operator in the Navy.”
Things physically happen for a reason, my major studies the how and why.
Stacking on additional minors in mathematics and computer science, Vincent has spent the past four years tackling complex questions. One such question — about radiation in soil from the Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980 — asks whether radiation exposure differs between hiking Mount St. Helens and walking around PLU. He offers a note of reassurance, “There is a constant background radiation we are all exposed to. Don’t worry, the amount is extremely low. We plan to take soil and air readings along the hiking trails on the mountain and compare them to the soil and air around PLU’s campus.”
As a commuter traveling from Bremerton, Vincent built a community in his own way. He found connections in the math lounge in Morken, where time between classes turned into friendships, and later through tutoring with Knack, where he helped other students navigate challenging material. That experience of working through complex ideas reinforced his enthusiasm for physics. “I think it’s fun to teach someone concepts I know,” he says.
Vincent’s advice for his younger, first-year self:
“Don’t be so nervous in talking to your fellow students. Keep trying to branch out with extracurriculars. It’ll work out in the end.”
With graduation coming up in May, Vincent says he doesn’t necessarily have a different worldview, but rather he has a better understanding of the universe. “Before, I just accepted that the universe just worked the way it does. Now with more knowledge, I can confidently know or find out why a physics concept works the way it does.”
Where will this new knowledge take him? Vincent says his future plans are up in the air. He’s considering applying to the Naval shipyard near where he lives or to a large manufacturing company like Boeing. “Perhaps I’ll finally take an extended break, since I have been either working or studying nonstop my entire adult life.”
As his time at PLU is coming to a close, Vincent shares that it’s fun to think back on his experiences at PLU. “The whole of PLU has improved my understanding of the world, both socially and educationally. My time here has been wonderful. I’ve made lifelong friends and experienced once-in-a-lifetime events. I’ll miss the professors who expanded my brain. I’ll miss the students who expanded my worldview.”