Alumni Spotlight: Katrine Kompanets
Katrine Kompanets graduated in 2025 with double major of physics and astrophysics.
Who was your advisor?
My advisor was Michael Coughlin, who guided my thesis on using machine learning in gravitational wave detection.
Why did you choose UMN? & What attracted you to physics/astrophysics?
I grew up in Minnesota and wanted to stay close to home, but I also chose UMN because of its high research standing, along with being an R1 school. I wanted to go to a school that would ensure I could get experience in high-caliber research along with my education. I've always been genuinely curious about how the world worked, and knew I needed to get a degree in astrophysics so I could start solving the questions none of the grown-ups around me had answers to.
What advice, if any, do you have for current students?
Start doing research as early as you can! It's a great way to find what you're passionate about, and it builds problem-solving and teamwork skills that you might not be able to experience in classes.
What has been your career path since graduation?
I am in my second year of my masters in medical physics at the UMN! I have been working on MRI and SPECT research. My physics and astrophysics degrees gave me the necessary background to pursue this path, and the variety of projects I was exposed to in undergrad prepared me for all the research I'm currently working on!
What was your favorite memory from the School?
My favorite memory is gathering on the roof of Tate with the Astro Club, SPA graduate students, and faculty to watch the 2023 partial solar eclipse! It was a great time full of people meeting each other and asking questions and I will never forget it!
My favorite memory is gathering on the roof of Tate with the Astro Club, SPA graduate students, and faculty to watch the 2023 partial solar eclipse! It was a great time full of people meeting each other and asking questions and I will never forget it!
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