What I Never Expected About Majoring in Engineering Physics
Welcome back to our My Favorite College Experiences series, where UNH students share their favorite memories from college so far. Meet Eben Quenneville ’27, an engineering physics major, and learn about the college experiences that changed everything for him.
Eben Quenneville ’27
When I was choosing my major, I didn’t know much about engineering physics or what it would prepare me for. I certainly didn't expect it would lead me to studying the DNA of butterflies in Sweden one month and teaching programming in New York City the next. My journey has been all about embracing the unexpected, and I’ve learned that studying physics at UNH doesn’t just teach you formulas — it teaches you how to solve any hard problem, anywhere. Here are five of my favorite experiences that show the incredible versatility of my college path.
The view in Molle, Sweden, along a beautiful coastal hike I did on a weekend off from research.
1. Researching in Sweden
If you had told me a year ago that I’d spend my summer in Sweden, I would have thought you were crazy. After being connected by a UNH faculty member, I had a research opportunity to analyze butterfly DNA, despite not having taken a biology class since high school. This experience was my favorite because it proved how the problem-solving skills from my physics classes could be applied to a completely different field like bioinformatics. It also pushed me to explore a new city, try new foods, and embrace the discomfort of being in a new culture for the first time.
The spread of food after a cooking party I helped organize with the students I taught in NYC.
2. Exploring cities and cuisines
I’m from a smaller town and never imagined the adventures that awaited me in college. UNH truly opened doors to amazing experiences. This past summer, I had the chance to explore the vibrant streets of Malmö and Copenhagen and the bustling avenues of New York City. Trying local delicacies, from Danish apple trifles to cactus tacos, was exhilarating. My favorite part of this was pushing myself out of my comfort zone — like trying durian fruit for the first time, despite my initial hesitation. I’ve learned that being open to new experiences, however small, can lead to unforgettable memories and growth.
A group photo at the Academy of Math and Programming where I taught in NYC.
3. Teaching in NYC
This past summer, I also had the privilege of teaching combinatorics and programming to brilliant high school students at the Jane Street Academy of Math and Programming in New York City. This was an incredible experience because I learned as much from the students as they did from me. Hearing about their passions and what they were experts in was both humbling and inspiring. It was a powerful reminder that teaching is one of the best ways to deepen your own understanding of a topic.
One of the activities I did to get away from work was a group paint night. While mine wasn't spectacular, it's still important to rest and do fun things!
4. Being a Learning Assistant
My experience teaching in NYC was built on a foundation I developed right here at UNH as a Learning Assistant (LA). The LA program is a wonderful opportunity where undergraduates are placed in classrooms to provide real-time guidance to students. I loved being an LA because it allowed me to help my peers find that "aha!" moment and solidify my own knowledge in the process. It's a fantastic way to get involved in the academic community and see concepts from a new perspective.
The physics department group photo at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Conference, an amazing opportunity to present research at UNH.
5. Finding my community
In a challenging major, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong. While professors and advisors provide incredible academic support, my favorite experience has been finding a community of peers who support each other in and out of the classroom. When you’re focused on tough problem sets, it’s your friends who remind you to take a break, get some rest, and do something fun. They are the ones who will pull you out of the library to go to a hockey game or grab a late-night bite to eat. Finding this balance is crucial, and having a community that champions your well-being has been the foundation that makes everything else possible.
