ESP Biography



AMARA MCCUNE, Stanford Junior




Major: Physics/Mathematics

College/Employer: Stanford

Year of Graduation: 2018

Picture of Amara McCune

Brief Biographical Sketch:

My name is Amara McCune and I am a junior at Stanford majoring in physics and mathematics. I am very excited to be teaching SPLASH courses!



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

M5769: Montys in Splash Spring 2017 (Apr. 22 - 23, 2017)
Come and learn about the wonders of the Montys, that is, Hall, Carlo, and Python! In this session, we will explore a tool of probability theory - the Monte Carlo method. Utilizing the Law of Large Numbers, we can simulate an event a number of times in order to determine the likelihood of a certain outcome. We will use this method first to approximate pi, and then we will use it to examine the famous "Monty Hall" paradox. And who knows - we may even encounter a Monty Python sketch or two while we're at it!


P4967: STEM Outreach for Girls: Physics and Astronomy in Splash Spring 2016 (Apr. 09 - 10, 2016)
What is the universe made of? Why can nothing travel faster than the speed of light? If you are interested in the types of objects in the universe, and the fundamental theories we use to explore it, then this class is for you! Come learn about black holes, how time and space can stretch, and why physics is cool.


L4968: STEM Outreach for Girls: Leadership in Splash Spring 2016 (Apr. 09 - 10, 2016)
Interested in getting more involved with STEM and research, and want to learn the skills to go out there and do it? Want to lead an environmental club, apply for science fairs, and become confident in your abilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics? Come join us for this seminar in leadership!


P4355: Journey Through the Universe in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 11 - 12, 2015)
In this class, we will explore the many interesting objects and theories that make up our current understanding of the universe, starting with our home planet and moving out to the largest scales of the cosmos. Topics covered include: planet formation, star formation, galaxies, dark matter, black holes, dark energy, the big bang, inflation theory, the idea of a multiverse, and the fate of our planet, solar system, and the universe.


P4356: Topics in Modern Physics in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 11 - 12, 2015)
Have you ever wondered why general relativity and quantum mechanics are incompatible? What string theory is? Why nothing can travel faster than the speed of light? If so, then this class is for you! We will be exploring the foundations of modern experimental and theoretical physics, focusing on topics including the standard model of particle physics, fundamental forces, special and general relativity, quantum mechanics, and introducing string theory.