In Motion: Transfer Degree Leads Alum to Physics Research Scientist Career 

Working cable repair jobs and then earning a Ph.D. in physics may not be the typical route for a research scientist. But Bellevue College graduate Frank McKay knew from his first physics course that he wanted to go deeper and learn more. 

“I have always enjoyed problem-solving and being presented with a new system to understand,” he said. McKay initially thought he would earn a degree in engineering and enrolled in a physics class taught by Kevin Wheelock as part of the prerequisites.  

“After my first quarter in his class, I became fascinated with the subject and knew I wanted to pursue a career in physics.” 

McKay fondly remembers demonstrations in Wheelock’s classes as being part of this inspiration.  

“We were discussing the conservation of momentum,” he said “Another student and I both sat in office chairs (with wheels) and pushed each other. We both moved backwards as a result. I remember this because it really helped the concept ‘click’ in my mind.” 

Later, Wheelock offered a class in modern physics, which also sparked McKay’s interest. “Although I wasn’t able to attend the class in person, I could watch it remotely from home. This was well before remote learning and Zoom became common,” he said. 

Overall, he found the teaching at Bellevue College really focused on his needs as a student. “Attending a smaller college such as Bellevue College offers many advantages over larger universities,” he noted. “First, the tuition is significantly less expensive. Second, the quality of instruction can often be much better. At smaller colleges, class sizes are typically smaller, allowing for more individual attention from the instructors.”  

Following completion of his Associate in Science degree at Bellevue College in 2014, McKay earned a bachelor’s in physics at the University of Washington and more recently completed his Ph.D. in physics at Louisiana State University. At Louisiana State, he works in the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices as a post-doctoral researcher. 

McKay’s experimental research in the condensed matter/material science physics group resulted in his dissertation titled “Surface and Bulk Properties of Multi-component Metal Alloys.” He is also the first author of four peer-reviewed articles titled “CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy as an Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst in an Acidic Solution,” “Surface oxidation mechanism of CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy,” “Vibrational study of CO, O2, and H2 Adsorbed on the CoCrFeNi (110) High Entropy Alloy Surface,” and “Demonstration of a container-less method for investigating high-temperature alloy properties using ED-XRD.” 

“I work at a synchrotron light source facility, one of only seven in the entire country,” McKay explained. “These facilities generate powerful X-ray beams that we use to analyze the properties of materials. My main focus is on developing a new [beamline]. This new beamline will help us understand how metal alloys behave at high temperatures, which is crucial for 3D printing.” 

At the facility where he works, McKay meets scientists and engineers from Louisiana universities, along with distinguished scientists from national and international institutions, conducting research in basic sciences and nanofabrication. 

 “I want to continue down this path of research and work at a national laboratory,” McKay said. “These labs all have permanent research staff who support different forms of academic research. I have seen an example of this at the research center and would like to continue doing this throughout the rest of my career. I hope to pursue another postdoctoral position at a national lab, which can lead to a permanent position as a research scientist.” 

When McKay decided to go back to college, at Bellevue College, he knew he wouldn’t be the typical student, but he was ready for a career change.  

“I didn’t attend college in the way most people do,” he recalled. “I started when I was 30 years old. Most of my fellow students were straight out of high school. I was married, had a full-time job, and a house. I had to balance a full personal life and work schedule while taking classes.”  

After high school, McKay worked in computer and cellular phone support as well as cable installation and repair. Continuing to work as he pursued his degree at Bellevue College, he found the college’s night schedule was perfect for someone like him.  

“I chose Bellevue College in particular because of its excellent evening program. I was working a full-time job at the time and couldn’t afford to attend classes during the day. Bellevue College offered two evening time slots, at 6 and 8 PM. I was able to leave work, drive over 30 minutes, and attend one or two classes,” he said. 

While the schedule wasn’t easy, McKay said friends and family as well as Bellevue faculty kept him moving forward.  

“Completing my associate’s degree would not have been possible without the evening classes offered at Bellevue College,” he said, citing Bellevue’s evening schedule as one designed for those holding down full-time jobs.  

Today, McKay tries to encourage others to think about the options available for switching careers.   

“I often see questions online from people in situations similar to my own,” he said. “Many of them feel discouraged and believe they are too old to start college at 30 or older. I want to tell them that I am evidence that it is entirely possible if you are dedicated enough. Even if you’re only pursuing an associate’s degree or plan to transfer to obtain a bachelor’s elsewhere, you can do it. If you really want to improve your earning potential — for your sake and your family’s — invest in yourself.”