From his early days at AJA to his current studies at the University of Texas at Austin, Nir Miller has pursued his passion for the sciences with curiosity and determination. Now a junior double majoring in Computational Physics and Mathematics, Nir is already making strides in robotics research and theoretical physics. In this Q&A, he reflects on his academic journey, proudest accomplishments, and future aspirations—offering insights and advice for current AJA students.
What are you currently doing? (Work/Study/Big Projects)
My time at AJA played a crucial role in shaping my lifelong love of the sciences, laying a strong foundation for the passions I pursue today. I’m currently a junior at the University of Texas at Austin, double majoring in Computational Physics and Mathematics, with a focus on theoretical physics. Outside of school, I work in a robotics lab at UT, where my team and I use game theory to coordinate a swarm of drones for recharging.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from the last 2-3 years?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping to develop an innovative algorithm for efficiently coordinating robots, which may soon be published in an academic paper.
What are your goals for the next few years?
In the coming year, I plan to apply to graduate school to study theoretical physics, with a particular interest in black holes. Looking further ahead, I hope to establish my own lab, bringing together experts from robotics, energy, and other fields to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change and sustainability.
What are the 1-2 most important things you learned from your experience at AJA?
AJA taught me to embrace my curiosity and be unapologetic about my love for learning. It was here that I developed the confidence to ask questions and be myself, no matter the environment.
AJA taught me to embrace my curiosity and be unapologetic about my love for learning. It was here that I developed the confidence to ask questions and be myself, no matter the environment.
What was your favorite assignment or learning experience at AJA and why?
The science fair was always my favorite part of AJA. It gave me the opportunity to explore creative ideas in science and turn my curiosity into hands-on projects.
What advice do you have for current AJA students about life after AJA?
Transitioning from AJA to a much larger high school was a challenge at first—I struggled to find my group after coming from such a tight-knit community. But in hindsight, that experience was incredibly valuable. It helped me gain a strong sense of who I want to surround myself with and who I don’t. And through it all, my closest friends from AJA remain my best friends to this day.
