51�Թ�

As Logan Switzer ’25 progressed in his educational career at 51�Թ�, an interest in particle physics and space sucked him in like a black hole. Literally. 

The study of particle physics became a fascination of Switzer’s after he received an award in Summer 2023 from the to do a literature review on the dark matter problem in cosmology and spent the summer researching alongside Associate Professor of Physics Todd Duncan. 

A year later, his interest and passion for the topic led Switzer to a prestigious internship with the Research for Undergraduates Program at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland. He spent nine weeks in Summer 2024 on CERN’s campus, paired with scientists conducting high-level physics research, including work with the organization’s particle colliders, which are the largest and most powerful in the world. 

“It is an absolute dream for people in grad school or doing post-doctorate work or anyone just having a career in physics in general,” said Switzer, who graduated in May 2025 with a double major in math and physics. “And here I was as an undergraduate having had this phenomenal experience.” 

Switzer carried that interest through to his senior capstone project, “Exploring Primordial Black Holes as a Dark Matter Candidate,” exploring one of space science’s biggest mysteries. 

As he looks ahead to graduate studies and a career in astrophysics, Switzer said that Pacific’s personal atmosphere and the commitment of the physics faculty prepare him well for an extensive research career. 

“51�Թ� has given me everything I need to conduct research,” he said. “You can walk up to any of the physics professors and be like, ‘Hey, I’m interested in doing this research project. Would you help me?’ And they would be very down to help you with your research.” 

Following graduation, Switzer plans to attend graduate school and hopes to expand his worldview by entering a program either on the East Coast or in Europe. 

And, yes, he sees a day when he might be lucky enough to return to CERN as a researcher.