Aidan C. Alverson, Applied Physics and Criminal Justice

For as long as he can remember, Aidan Alverson’s goal has been to work for the FBI or CIA.

“I’ve always been super interested in law enforcement.” But Alverson discovered he also loved math and science while in high school, leading him to double major in Applied Physics and Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Forensics. 

“One of my favorite experiences as a Stockton student, was taking the general science class ‘Pine Barrens’ with Dr. (Mark) Demitroff. Not only did I learn about the extensive cultural and physical history of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, but we went on weekly field trips to areas I never knew existed. It was extremely interesting to learn and see historically significant areas in a place I grew up but knew nothing about,” the Jackson native said.

Alverson said he grew up fast due to financial concerns and the death of his biological father at the age of 10. “When a person is presented with the reality of death, your perspective on life is forever changed. You realize that life on Earth should not be taken for granted; it is important to approach everything and everyone with empathy and understanding,” he said.

“I’ve learned to live my life as the best person I can be, while stopping to smell the flowers frequently,” he said. “What is living if we do not stop and appreciate the good around us?”

It’s no surprise Alverson will miss the scenic Galloway campus. “Whether it be the changing colors of leaves with the seasons, the beautiful birds that sing next to my window in the morning, or the sound of wind brushing off Lake Fred, I will forever miss living on campus.”

He has left his own mark on Stockton, helping to revitalize the Society of Physics Students after the COVID-19 pandemic took a major toll on student clubs. “We learned to use Discord to continue meetings virtually and then in person with biweekly general meetings,” he said. This year, members have taken trips to Washington, D.C., for PhysCon, The Franklin Institute and the Battleship New Jersey.

Alverson hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement technology and eventually become an analyst for the FBI or CIA. But his first goal after graduating this month is to obtain a real estate license.

“I believe it's important to have multiple streams of income, and I'm hoping to find success in real estate so that I can own property and pursue it as a side business,” he said.

Alverson also plans to return to his passion for music. “I love music and I love to play the drums. As an RA I lived on campus the past four years, and it was not plausible to practice on campus.”

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