BOONE, N.C. — College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps members serve as representatives to all college constituents, creating, promoting, and executing opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students, nominated by the chairs of departments across CAS, represent the college at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors, and alumni. Throughout the month, we will be introducing new members in the 2026-27 academic year through a question-and-answer format.
Jose Barajas-Arias
Year: Senior
Major: Physics (Applied)
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: Pittsboro, NC
What brought you to App State?
“Location and research opportunities.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Humane Society Club
PandA club
Team Sunergy
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
James Lee Love Scholarship
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“Thermodynamics has been my favorite topic.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“Garwood, because it’s where I spend all my time and know all the people.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“Volunteering at the Watauga Humane Society.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I love the mountains, the weather is amazing, and the community is very nice.”
What are your hobbies?
“Studying, soccer, and bowling.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“Red Rising book series and favorite show is How I Met Your Mother.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member who has made an impact on your life and how.
“Dr. Leah Sherman introduced me to many areas of the Physics department, from jobs to different professors.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The availability of my professors and mentors.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to go into a graduate or Ph.D. program for nuclear or mechanical engineering.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I love to snowboard but am not that great.”
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About the Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy’s curriculum has an applied nature that includes a core of fundamental physics courses and laboratory experiences. The department prepares graduates for a variety of scientific, teaching or engineering professions, as well as future educational endeavors. Learn more about the Department of Physics and Astronomy
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers, and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical, and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions, and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating, and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more about CAS
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
September 10, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Close-up selfie of a person wearing glasses, a black beanie, and tan jacket outdoors near parked cars on a winter day.
CAS Corps member Jose Barajas-Arias is a senior physics major from Pittsboro. Photo submitted