Introduction
In the quiet corridors of Myers Park High School where the echoes of laughter and the rhythm of basketballs once filled the air, there lived a remarkable soul named Janey McAdams “Janey” Thompson. Born on October 19 2003 Janey’s spirit radiated warmth her laughter contagious and her heart as vast as the Carolina sky. But on that fateful April day in 2024, the world lost a beacon of light—a young woman whose legacy would forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her.
A Life Well Lived
Janey’s journey began in Charlotte North Carolina where she danced into the world with a clarinet in one hand and a basketball in the other. She played the wind ensemble jazz band and varsity basketball—all while maintaining a wicked sense of humor and a humble heart. Her favorite moments? The locker room banter the bus rides with her girls and the thrill of sinking a three-pointer on the court.
At Wake Forest University Janey’s passion for physics soared. She graced the dean’s list coached intramural sports and volunteered at Wake Radio. But it was her unwavering loyalty to Wake Forest sports that truly set her apart. From football to baseball, Janey cheered with unbridled enthusiasm arriving early and staying until the final whistle. And when life threw her a curveball—a torn ACL and meniscus—she transitioned from player to coach inspiring others with her resilience.
A Heartfelt Farewell
On April 9 2024 Janey’s light dimmed. A blood clot stealthy and cruel stole her away leaving behind a void that echoed across campus. Her parents Bo and Scottie Thompson her brother Hank and her beloved dog Phyllis mourned alongside a vast network of friends. Janey’s legacy lives on—a symphony of laughter kindness and the joy of a cold Diet Coke shared with friends.
Janey’s favorite physics experiments
While specific details about Janey McAdams Thompson’s favorite physics experiments are not widely documented her passion for physics was evident during her time at Wake Forest University. She immersed herself in various experiments discussions and coursework. If I were to imagine perhaps she marveled at the double-slit experiment pondering the duality of light as both a particle and a wave. Or maybe she reveled in the elegance of Maxwell’s equations tracing the invisible dance of electric and magnetic fields. Janey’s curiosity likely led her to explore quantum mechanics where particles defy classical intuition and Schrödinger’s cat both lives and dies simultaneously. Whatever her favorites were Janey’s spirit undoubtedly danced among the particles seeking answers to the universe’s deepest mysteries.
Janey’s favorite aspect of biophysics
While specific details about Janey McAdams Thompson’s favorite aspect of biophysics remain elusive her passion for the subject suggests a fascination with the intricate dance between life and physics. Biophysics at its core explores the physical principles governing biological systems. Here are a few aspects that might have captivated Janey:
Membrane Dynamics: Janey could have marveled at the fluid mosaic of cell membranes—the phospholipid bilayers studded with protein channels and receptors. How do these membranes maintain selective permeability? What forces shape their curvature? These questions likely intrigued her.
Protein Folding: Proteins those molecular workhorses fold into precise three-dimensional structures. Janey might have pondered the delicate balance between hydrophobic interactions hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces that guide protein folding. Misfolded proteins like origami gone awry can lead to diseases.
Ion Channels: Ion channels—gatekeepers of cellular communication—captivated Janey’s imagination. These proteins allow ions (such as sodium potassium and calcium) to flow across cell membranes influencing nerve impulses muscle contractions and heart rhythms. How do they open and close? What role do voltage and ligands play?
Biomechanics: Janey’s love for sports intersected with biophysics. She might have explored the biomechanics of athletic movements—the physics behind a basketball shot a sprinter’s stride or a gymnast’s twist. Understanding muscle forces joint angles and energy transfer fueled her curiosity.
Quantum Biology: Perhaps Janey delved into quantum biology where quantum phenomena meet living organisms. Photosynthesis for instance relies on quantum coherence in chlorophyll molecules. Did Janey ponder how quantum effects enhance efficiency in biological processes?
Scientific fields intrigued Janey
Janey McAdams Thompson with her vibrant spirit and passion for biophysics likely found inspiration in related scientific fields. Let’s explore a few areas that might have intrigued her:
Membrane Biophysics: Janey could have delved into the study of cell membranes—the intricate structures that house ion channels proteins and receptors. Understanding their dynamics and functions fascinated researchers in this field.
Computational/Theoretical Biophysics: Mathematical modeling played a crucial role. Janey might have explored complex biological events as systems of interacting entities using statistical mechanics thermodynamics and chemical kinetics to unravel mysteries.
Protein Engineering: Creating and modifying proteins—advancing synthetic biology. Janey’s curiosity could have led her to explore protein design and optimization.
Medical Biophysics: A field closely related to physiology it explains various aspects of the body from a physical and mathematical perspective. Topics include fluid dynamics of blood flow gas physics in respiration and radiation in diagnostics and treatment.
Janey Interdisciplinary Research
While specific interdisciplinary research endeavors involving Janey McAdams Thompson are not widely documented her vibrant spirit and passion for biophysics likely led her to explore related fields. Here are some areas where interdisciplinary connections might have intrigued her:
Biomedical Engineering: Janey could have delved into the intersection of biology and engineering. Biomedical engineers design medical devices prosthetics and imaging systems. Perhaps she pondered how physics principles apply to healthcare innovations.
Neuroscience: The brain a complex network of neurons captivates scientists across disciplines. Janey might have wondered about the electrical impulses that govern thoughts emotions and movement. How do ion channels in neurons contribute to signaling?
Materials Science: Understanding the physical properties of materials—whether it’s the elasticity of tendons or the conductivity of nerve fibers—bridges biology and physics. Janey’s curiosity might have extended to biomaterials and their applications.
Bioinformatics: In the digital age deciphering biological data relies on computational tools. Janey could have explored genomics proteomics and structural biology using algorithms and statistical methods to unravel biological mysteries.
Environmental Physics: Janey’s love for nature might have intersected with environmental physics. How do ecosystems respond to climate change? What role do physical processes play in biodiversity?
While we don’t have specific details Janey’s legacy reminds us that curiosity knows no boundaries—it thrives at the crossroads of disciplines.
Conclusion
In the gardens of Reynolda where the coffee aroma mingles with memories Janey’s spirit dances. She taught us that life is a puzzle—a collection of moments talents and friendships. So let us remember Janey McAdams Thompson the athlete the scholar the lifeguard and the friend who brought the fun with her. May her legacy inspire us to live fully laugh heartily and cherish every sunrise.
