Q&A

Five Question for Rhodes Scholar Alison Crocker '06

Alison Crocker is Dartmouth's sixth Rhodes Scholar in five years. The Poughkeepsie, New York, native is a Phi Beta Kappa physics and math major and a varsity skier. DAM asked her about the lighter side of her most recent achievement.

What was the strangest question theyasked you during the interview process?

It's a pretty intense 20-minute session. They fire questions at you, especially regarding your subject matter. One of the interviewers said, "Why cross-country skiing?" They also asked me about "dark energy." I didn't know the answer to that one, but I did know why 2005 was the year of physics.

Why was 2005 the year of physics?

It's the anniversary of Einstein's four most important papers on physics.

What did you wear to your interview?

I applied for the Marshall scholarship as well. Their interview is before the Rhodes'. I came directly from a ski competition in Fairbanks, Alaska, and I had only my ski clothes, so I had to go shopping in Boston. I bought a blue sweater and black pants and wore them to both.

Any teasing about your Rhodes scholarship from your friends?

My teammates pointed it out at the U.S. Nationals tournament in Utah. They cheered for me so loudly the announcer actually made an announcement about it.

Anything that makes you nervous whenyou think about being at Oxford?

I'm looking forward to it! I've been interested in astronomy and physics for a long time. I plan to teach or do research in astrophysics once I'm done with my degree. I'm also looking forward to taking up rowing again. The one thing that intimidates me is that I'm trying to get my graduate degree in three years!