START SMART provides experiential learning to foster the curiosity and engagement of students in the field of science by integration with art. The program is designed to transform science education by demystifying the mathematics and physical principles through the creation of art. The ultimate goal is to enhance enrollment in physical science majors/courses and prepare students more adequately for college through better prior education.

This outreach program will help articulate challenges that students may face during their education in the sciences, such as: understanding problems, gaining knowledge, and the overall commitment needed to complete these rigorous undergraduate programs. We also discuss the plethora of opportunities that are available to students, such as careers in science, what type of salaries to expect, and exploration of science. These topics are critical to discuss with high school students seeking to attend college. We also provide the necessary tools to visualize physical mechanisms using assorted methods that help reach students with various learning styles.

2025   |   2024

2025 START SMART


Saturdays in February 2:00-4:00 P.M.

Location: University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Jorgensen Hall - 855 N 16th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Who: high school juniors and seniors

Come join current undergraduate physics students at UNL to learn how physics can be utilized in creating art. You will gain knowledge of the basic physical principles, complete hands-on art projects, and learn how to model what is seen through the use of mathematics. Each week, we offer an inside perspective on why you should choose physics and its relevance today.


February 1, 2025: Geometrical Art
Spirographs: hands-on application and modeling
Guided tour of physics building


February 8, 2025: Pendulum Motion
Pendula: hands-on application and modeling
Q&A: Why to choose a physics education?


February 15, 2025: Nature of Waves
Interference and resonance: hands-on application and modeling
Q&A: What to do with a physics degree?


February 22, 2025: Magnetic Art
Ferrofluids: hands-on application and fundamentals
Q&A: Why to choose UNL Physics?




Your hosts



Angelea Arnett 📧
Outreach Coordinator
Undergraduate research assistant
I grew up in a small-town, Sidney, NE. Outside of research and my coursework I enjoy to paint, sing, and garden.

Ruthi Zielinski 📧 
Undergraduate research assistant  |  FYRE awardee |  UCARE awardee |  NCESR Summer internship awardee
I am originally from Florida but grew up in Papillion, NE. In my free time, I enjoy doing anything artistic, going on walks, and watching movies.

Jing Guo 📧
Graduate research assistant (since 2024)
I am from Wuhan, China. Besides doing research, I like photography and playing badminton.


Robert Streubel 📧 
Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter & Materials Physics

Before joining Lincoln, I worked in Germany and California at national laboratories, and enjoyed the great outdoors as backcountry hiker and rock climber.


2024 START SMART


Saturdays in February 2:00-4:00 P.M.

Location: University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Jorgensen Hall - 855 N 16th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
Who: high school juniors and seniors

Come join current undergraduate physics students at UNL to learn how physics can be utilized in creating art. You will gain knowledge of the basic physical principles, complete hands-on art projects, and learn how to model what is seen through the use of mathematics. Each week, we offer an inside perspective on why you should choose physics and its relevance today.


February 3, 2024: Geometrical Art
Spirographs: hands-on application and modeling
Guided tour of physics building
Presentation slides 🔗


February 10, 2024: Pendulum Motion
Pendula: hands-on application and modeling
Q&A: Why to choose a physics education?
Presentation slides 🔗


February 17, 2024: Nature of Waves
Interference and resonance: hands-on application and modeling
Q&A: What to do with a physics degree?
Presentation slides 🔗


February 24, 2024: Magnetic Art
Ferrofluids: hands-on application and fundamentals
Q&A: Why to choose UNL Physics?
Presentation slides 🔗




Your hosts



Angelea Arnett 📧
Outreach Coordinator
Undergraduate research assistant
I grew up in a small-town, Sidney, NE. Outside of research and my coursework I enjoy to paint, sing, and garden.

Ruthi Zielinski 📧 
Undergraduate research assistant  |  FYRE awardee |  UCARE awardee |  NCESR Summer internship awardee
I am originally from Florida but grew up in Papillion, NE. In my free time, I enjoy doing anything artistic, going on walks, and watching movies.

Bryce Herrington 📧 
Undergraduate research assistant  |  UCARE awardee |  NCESR Summer internship awardee |  Undergraduate Merit Awardee for Academic Performance
I am from Omaha, NE.

Amir Tarkian 📧
Undergraduate research assistant |  UCARE awardee | NCMN STEM summer internship awardee
I am from Lincoln, NE and enjoy playing tennis and golf. In addition to physics, I have various interests in computer science and finance.

Robert Streubel 📧 
Assistant Professor in Condensed Matter & Materials Physics

Before joining Lincoln, I worked in Germany and California at national laboratories, and enjoyed the great outdoors as backcountry hiker and rock climber.


Additional information

Important links for future college students:

Further reading:

Funding: