Colton Sachs

The thought of being on the leading edge of new findings and discoveries was the irresistible pull that drew Colton Sachs into the wide world of studying physics.

“Being able to explore the scientific unknown, and ultimately contribute to our understanding of how the universe works, is something I greatly look forward to,” says the COCC Physics major, originally from Moses Lake, Washington.

At COCC, Sachs has dedicated himself to his studies, earning a 4.0 grade point average while engaging in things like an independent study on quantum mechanics, a subject typically undertaken by senior- or grad-level classes.

He’s gone far beyond his labs and lectures, too — conducting a summer engineering internship with a biomedical company, serving on the institutional review board for a biomechanical research project at Oregon State University-Cascades, and volunteering at the Pine Mountain Observatory.

“I have been really enjoying learning about quantum mechanics and particle physics. However, I also love learning about the intersection of physics with other fields, such as medicine,” he shares. His plan is to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and ultimately, a doctorate in physics.

Awarded a full scholarship from the University of Oregon’s Oregon Pathways to Industry Research Careers program (and also accepted by Vanderbilt University), Sachs also received All-Oregon Academic Team honors for 2026, one of only four students to represent COCC for the statewide distinction.

“I would say that COCC connected me with a community that allowed me to find my passion and explore it,” says Sachs. It’s a community he’s contributed greatly to, from serving COCC as a student member of the College’s student affairs and sustainability committees, to participating in the Psychology program’s undergrad research lab.