Herbert Brown with Juan Cortorreal, left, and Zion Smith.
Herbert Brown joined The Bridge Golf Foundation as STEM Program Co-Leader this September after several years as a Physics instructor at Hampton (Va.) University. The New Orleans native holds a masters degree in Optical Physics from Hampton. He recently fielded some questions from Executive Director and Co-Founder Farrell Evans.
FE: How did you develop a love for math and science growing up in New Orleans?
HB: I’ve always been fascinated by how things work; plants, animals, and machines. Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) was my favorite television network. I would watch and learn about everything that was shown. During the summer, I would go to the library and check out books on various subjects from the programs I watched. However, it wasn’t until high school that I discovered the one science that gave all other subjects their foundation: Physics.
FE. Who has been your most important role model/mentor?
HB: My mother was my role model while growing up. She was one of the most hard-working individuals I’d ever known. She always believed in working hard and earning your keep. Good morals, ethics, and hard work became a lifestyle/culture that has permeated all that I’ve done in life thus far. I cannot thank my mother enough for instilling those values in me.
FE: What attracted you to The Bridge Golf Foundation?
HB: I’ve been an instructor at the collegiate level for a number of years. The one thing that has always been troubling to me is that most students at that level do not have the foundation/fundamentals to truly be successful in college. The Bridge Golf Foundation gives our young men the tools they need to not only thrive in higher education, but also in life. I wanted to be a part of that.
FE: You moved to New York to pursue an acting career. What led to this switch from a full time college physics professor to an acting student?
HB: I’ve wanted to act since I was a teenager, but the timing never seemed right, especially when I began teaching. I truly enjoy teaching. I believed for a number of years that teaching was fulfilling enough, but the urge to become an actor became stronger. I began taking evening acting classes, and I found great joy, and freedom, that I’d never felt before. I soon began doing local plays and commercials. I decided to audition for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, in New York City. I was accepted to the school, but I still felt that I had more to give as a teacher. So when I discovered The Bridge Golf Foundation, I felt that everything was falling in order. I could pursue acting
and still give back as a teacher.
FE: What’s been the best part about working with the young men? What have you learned?
HB: Getting to know the young men of the program has been a rewarding experience. They are extremely intelligent, quick witted, and always ready for a challenge. I see their potential to achieve their dreams. In the short time I’ve been with The Foundation, I’ve learned to have more fun teaching and how to tailor my teaching methods to reach these young men. I believe that this will not only help me, but aid in reaching a common ground between myself and the students.
FE: What do you hope to bring to The Foundation?
HB: I want to bring the knowledge I’ve learned over the years, from my studies and teaching, to The Bridge Golf Foundation to aid in streamlining its curriculum. I want to ensure students get the maximum benefit and learning experience in their lessons in order to reach their full potential.
FE: What are some of the exciting things that people should expect from the STEM program this school year?
HB: Veeshan Narinesingh and I have been working on a number of projects to enhance the curriculum. We ordered a couple of instruments what will enhance the learning environment for this year and years to come. First is the MakerBot Replicator 3D printer. It is a large volume, high quality, 3-D printer that will empower the students to create amazing things. The Vernier Go!Motion is a motion detector that measures distance, velocity, and acceleration (graphically) in real time.
FE: How successful have you been in finding good vegan-friendly restaurants in Harlem and Washington Heights?
HB: My family and I are enjoying exploring the city and discovering vegan-friendly restaurants. So far we have been to Burger Heights, Seasoned Vegan, and Uptown Cafe to name a few, but we are always on the lookout for more.
FE: You didn’t know much about golf before joining The Foundation. How has your physics background helped you understand the game?
HB: As I do research on the game, the fundamental concepts of lift and drag on the ball are intuitive. The potential and kinetic energies are in every aspect of the game. The foundation of golf is the understanding of these physics principles. With these concepts, I have gained a greater appreciation for the game.
FE: Do you plan to start playing?
HB: Yes, I have taken the initiative in applying helpful hints (from our staff teaching professionals) to enhance my technique. I’m told that I have the stature and build of a power hitter.