Irina Mazilu - Personal Statement - Washington and Lee University

etween the arts and the sciences
I am fortunate to work at Washington and Lee University, in a liberal arts environment that promotes
these types of questions and connections, that encourages and nurtures intellectual curiosity and
creativity, for students and faculty alike. Growing up in communist Romania, a country where freedom of
thought and travel was not a given, but had to be won through a revolution, makes me appreciate a liberal
arts education even more. I always tell my students how lucky they are to have the opportunity to explore
so many interesting fields and to find their calling during their time at W&L.
Over the years, I have learned to appreciate more and more the wonderful community that is Washington
and Lee University. My colleagues and friends guided me through the thorny first years of the tenure –
track job, encouraged me to pursue my scientific dreams, supported my ideas of developing new courses
and teaching methods. I had the opportunity to build a strong research program, attend national
professional meetings, and extend research collaborations. I have learned a lot from my colleagues, and
became a better teacher and scholar. At W&L, I found my own voice.
When I first came to Washington and Lee University, I was told that I was the very first woman ever
hired as a professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering. I was honored and surprised at the
same time, and I feel the responsibility to promote the interests of women students in science. I am happy
to see how the number of women interested in physics and engineering has grown over the years. Seeing
these young women thrive and succeed in a field that is still considered tough and male dominated gives
me a great sense of satisfaction.
Ever since I started my job, I have learned from my students and colleagues amazing lessons in courage,
dignity, and kindness. To paraphrase Kierkegaard, “to be a teacher in the right sense is to be a learner. I
am not a teacher, only a fellow student”. I strive for a life of continuous learning, discovery, service and
honor, an ideal I encourage my students to emulate each time I walk into the lab or classroom.