Jul 10, 2008 -- While many science students choose to pursue a more conventional career path, recent Stern College for Women (SCW) graduate Leah Kanner is opting to fulfill her true calling – physics. As a math major and member of the S. Daniel Abraham Honors Program, Kanner is somewhat of a pioneer – she was one of only three graduates completing SCW’s first full cycle of physics as a major. “Leah is outstanding academically,” said Anatoly Frenkel, PhD, professor of physics at Yeshiva University. “She can be successful at anything she chooses.” After spending last summer working for an investment management firm and learning how science and math are applied to financial modeling, the Lawrence, NY native realized that, although it was a valuable experience, her true passion lay in the pure sciences. Kanner’s college experience – working on cutting-edge scientific research with Dr. Frenkel, studying novel nanomaterials and consequently co-authoring a paper in the prestigious Physical Review Letters – cemented her decision to face the challenges of physics head on. This fall, Kanner will attend Columbia University’s PhD program in physics through their Faculty Fellowship program. The program has accepted 22 students, only three of whom are women. Since working as a teacher’s assistant at Stern, Kanner is also dedicated to continuing in the path of her professors. She aspires to educate future students about the joys of physics through a combination of teaching and advanced research. Kanner is also excited about Stern’s recent and significant commitment to physics. “It is an honor to have been a part of what will hopefully be the beginning of a growing trend.”