Danny Shai Thrives in Wooster’s Challenging Science Environment

By choosing to major in both chemistry and physics, Danny Shai falls somewhere in the range between brilliant and crazy. A senior from nearby Copley, Ohio, Shai chose The College of Wooster, not because of its proximity to home, but because of its reputation for excellence in the sciences.

“I knew Wooster was very strong in chemistry, physics, biology, and the other sciences,” says Shai. “Several students from my high school went here and had good experiences, which helped me make my final decision.”

Of course taking AP courses that netted him a year’s worth of credits would have given him an edge wherever he decided to go, but he settled on Wooster because he knew he would continue to be challenged…and he hasn’t been disappointed. “I feel I am getting a very good education,” he says. “As I expected, the professors really care about their students, and they constantly push us to reach our full potential, which makes me want to work even harder.”

Chemical physics is becoming an increasingly robust field, and Shai is at the forefront through his experience at Wooster. He is particularly interested in the study of condensed matter, and this past summer he conducted research on gas adsorption on carbon nanotubes, which drives fuel-cell technology.

“Danny is the first student in my 18 years at Wooster to attempt a physics-chemistry double major,” says John Lindner, professor of physics at Wooster. “Although physics and chemistry are allied sciences, the double major is difficult because each is very challenging.

“Danny was able to overcome this by accelerating his physics major and doing physics junior I.S. (Wooster’s nationally known Independent Study program) as a sophomore,” adds Lindner. “As a first-year student, he skipped two semesters of calculus-based physics, and began the physics major with modern physics. Although he was the only first-year student in a class of sophomores and juniors, his performance was outstanding.”

Shai came to Wooster with a well-conceived plan, and it appears as though he will leave that way. “Wooster provides great preparation for graduate school, and that is my goal,” he says. “I plan to go on and earn my Ph.D.”

Given the rigors of such a challenging double major, Shai has precious little time to do much else, and most of that free time is spent on science-related activities. For example, he serves as president of the Chemistry Club and vice president of the Physics Club. He has also been a teaching assistant for several science classes.

“My Wooster experience has been great,” he says. “I came here with high expectations, and they have been fulfilled, especially from the faculty.

“Not only have I gotten an excellent education in the sciences, but I have also benefited from classes in other disciplines,” adds Shai. “One of the most important aspects of Wooster’s curriculum is the emphasis on communication skills. It doesn’t matter how much you know if you can’t express it. Wooster helps students do that very well.”