Arizona native earns dual degrees in astrophysics and physics from ASU
After graduation, Gian Curt will begin a postbaccalaureate research position in the fall, allowing him to refine his research skills and prepare for graduate school to pursue a PhD in astrophysics.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
Gian Curt’s love of the cosmos began in middle school, when photographs of nebular formations and supernovae sparked a curiosity about the universe.
That curiosity led him toward his academic path during his junior year of high school, when an introductory physics class revealed the perfect intersection of his two passions.
“I enjoyed both astronomy and physics, and when I realized there was a combined study called astrophysics, I decided that would be my field of study,” he said.
Curt is graduating this May with bachelor's degrees in Earth and space exploration (astrophysics) and in physics from Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration and Department of Physics, respectively.
For Curt, choosing ASU was a straightforward decision driven by both family and academic opportunities. Already an Arizona resident, he wanted to remain close to his friends and family while pursuing his studies.
But it was what ASU’s astrophysics program and research community had to offer that truly sealed the deal.
“I researched some of the awesome astrophysics research that professors here were working on, and I was excited to join,” he said.
Among the most memorable influences during Curt’s time at ASU was perhaps an unexpected source: Italian Assistant Professor Serena Ferrando. Her message was simple but impactful: One poor grade or failed exam does not define a student’s future.
Curt was also struck by how much remains undiscovered in the field of physics and astrophysics — a realization that strengthened rather than diminished his enthusiasm for the discipline.
When asked what advice he would offer to current students, Curt offered a message of encouragement: Never tell yourself you cannot learn something. Anyone can learn any subject as long as they are passionate about it.
After graduation, Curt will begin a postbaccalaureate research position in the fall, allowing him to refine his research skills and prepare for graduate school to pursue a PhD in astrophysics.
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