Shane Witters Hicks was born and raised in Golden, Colo. He is a senior at Principia College where he majors in physics. A mathematician at heart, Shane enjoys working with numbers and admires the practical application of physics to everyday challenges.
Last summer he worked at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in his hometown of Golden, where he participated in SULI (Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship). During this time, Shane created a technical animation to help scientists better understand the role that wake-measurement technology can play in wind farm operation. He also developed an interest in electricity and the future of electricity grids.
When he isn’t studying physics, Shane is running. He is a three-season student-athlete competing in cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field. Shane is All-American Div III in the steeplechase, but he also competes in longer distances such as the 5000 meter race. In his free time, Shane enjoys hiking and backpacking throughout the Colorado mountains and cooking for his friends and family.