Jackson Farris '27 never expected to travel to Antarctica, but that quickly changed for him one day when he was in his academic advisor's office his freshman year. Farris overheard a friend talking about their acceptance into a winter field trip program to Antarctica through Mays Business School. His interest was immediately piqued, and from there, he wasted no time.

He didn't even have a U.S. passport but applied for the program that day and was accepted within the next two days. Little did he know just how many boxes off a long list of "firsts" this trip would check for him, including a dramatic first time touching the ocean through a polar plunge into the icy waters of the Southern Ocean.

Since joining Texas A&M University as a freshman in 2023, Farris has lived by a conviction of not letting opportunities to follow his passions pass him by, and it shows. During his time at Texas A&M, he joined the Symphonic Winds Orchestra through the Department of Music Activities as a French horn player, got a job as a student worker conducting theoretical physics research, joined several student organizations and traveled to the southernmost point of the globe.

Get to Know Jackson Farris

Traveling to Antarctica is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the ways Farris has been involved on campus and how he has created his own unique Aggie experience. One example of this is when Farris helped to form a French horn quartet within the Department of Music Activities with his fellow French horn players simply because one did not exist.

Texas A&M Antarctica Perspectives Winter Field Trip

Jackson: "My favorite experience by far was being able to go to Antarctica over winter break, sailing throughout the Antarctic peninsula, and crossing the Antarctic Circle, and that's because it's in a league of its own. I applied to this program my freshman year, and the following fall it required a Global Sustainable Business class because of the faculty-led programs' focus on sustainability in business and leadership. So right after finals, we headed to Houston Airport and made our way to Argentina. And from Argentina we started sailing. This trip was so amazing, and there wasn't a day we didn't see some type of whale, penguin, albatross and so many other types of wildlife. We stopped at many international ports along the way as well, and I learned so much. It was a trip of firsts for me including my first time leaving the country, crossing the equator, taking an overnight flight, seeing whales, touching the ocean and so much more. It was incredible."

Department of Music Activities

Member of the Symphonic Winds, founding member of the Horn Quartet

Jackson: "As soon as I became proficient at the French horn in middle school, I knew I would always want to keep playing. I auditioned with Dr. Tipton my freshman year and joined the Symphonic Winds. My involvement in the formation of the Horn Quintet resulted from my status as a music minor and the need to make a small ensemble of some sort, along with expressed interest from my peers, so it simply had to happen. Going to band every day gives me so much joy and a much needed break from thinking about physics and other cares of life."

Physics

Research: Quantum Optoelectronics under Dr. Alexey Belyanin, Volunteerism: Physics Outreach with Dr. Tatiana Erukhimova

Jackson: "I started Physics Outreach with Dr. Tatiana as a freshman by volunteering with First Friday (a monthly event in downtown Bryan) Physics Demos, and it stuck from there because of how much enjoyment and fulfillment I get out of it. My research was a result of a lot of searching and a wonderful recommendation from Dr. Tatiana to Dr. Belyanin, as I knew I was interested in the more theoretical side of physics."

Student Org Membership

Society of Physics Students (SPS), Freshman Leading in Acceptance, Kindness, and Equality (FLAKE), Kolbitars, Carnival of Animals (CoA), Math Club, Aggie Musical Theatre Club (AMTC), Out in Stem (oSTEM).

Jackson: "I became involved with most of the orgs through the MSC Open House and learned about them from peers and upperclassmen. I don't always get to attend every meeting, but I make time for as many opportunities as possible that keep me connected and give me a sense of belonging."

How has being involved impacted your time at Texas A&M?

Jackson: "Being involved has brought me both immense amounts of fulfillment and happiness, but it has also kept me connected to those in the communities around me and given me a place to belong. I learned about so many of the things I am involved with from friends and others, so my grand web keeps growing as a result of that."

What's your advice for others looking to get involved?

Jackson: "When presented with an opportunity, don't squander it by letting it pass by. Not everything you may do may be the perfect fit, but you are well within your rights to take a step back and try something else. There is so much here on this campus that you are bound to find something if you just look."

Do you have time management tips for fellow Aggies?

Jackson: “I'm paraphrasing Charles Buxton on this but you have to make time for things; the time isn't just going to appear. I make time for the activities that I want to do and that’s how I prioritize. I can’t always go to every single meeting, but I do what I can.”

What's your favorite tradition at Texas A&M?

Jackson: "The Aggie Ring, because it gives us a way to represent the unity of our school in a subtle yet recognizable way, and adds a little flair to every outfit. My second favorite would be Silver Taps, because it shows that reverence that Aggies give to their fellow Aggies."

What are your plans for the future post-graduation?

Jackson: "I hope to stay in academia and gain professorship in Physics."

Layne’s or Cane’s?

Jackson: "Layne’s."