STEM and music…it might sound like an unlikely combination for a university student to simultaneously pursue.
But Arkansas Tech University’s Gunner Hodges has developed an approach that allows him to excel in both disciplines.
A graduate of Harrison High School, Hodges is a senior physics and mathematics major at Arkansas Tech and principal trombone for the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
“I’m very analytical…I’m definitely not on the creative side,” said Hodges. “That’s my sister and other parts of my family. I got the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) thing. That’s how I approach things. How I learn trombone is quite analytical. It’s this big slab of metal and you’ve got to figure out where the right note is. It’s a lot of practice where I can do the same thing over and over again until I build my own method for it. It’s a formulaic way of approaching it.”
During summer 2025, Hodges participated in an internship through the National Science Foundation that allowed him to travel to Ohio State University and conduct research in cosmology, a branch of physics that focuses on the origin, development, structure, history and future of the universe. Hodges worked and learned alongside fellow physics students from around the United States.
“I got to rub elbows with people from Embry-Riddle, people that frequent MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)…all of the different University of California campuses…people with doctorates from places like Princeton…and the biggest thing I saw was that I can do this,” said Hodges. “I do fit in and I do excel. You get there and you see that you are well equipped, and it’s because of my faculty (at Arkansas Tech). They strive for excellence, and if you are willing to do that as well, then you can achieve your goals.”
Hodges pointed to his ATU physics faculty members — Dr. Hamed Shojaei, Dr. Jessica Young, Dr. Matthew Hankins and Dr. Amber Harrington — as the people who have most influenced his academic development at Arkansas Tech.
“They’ve really been able to help with clear instruction and ample office hours,” said Hodges. “They always want to work with you, and I know it’s been that way for years. They write great letters of recommendation. They’re really, really helpful and always supportive.”
Hodges’ father, Shawn Hodges, graduated from ATU in 1999 with a degree in fisheries and wildlife science. Hodges’ mother, Jennifer Hodges, attended Arkansas Tech for two years before moving on to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to complete her preparation as a dental hygienist.
Shawn and Jennifer met on a bench outside ATU’s McEver Hall, the same building where their son takes his classes in physics.
Hodges’ personal familiarity with the Arkansas Tech campus is rooted in annual trips to attend ATU summer band camps. He participated in the camps from sixth grade through high school.
His love for music has persisted. Hodges refers to himself as an “honorary music major” due to his membership in the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the ATU Trombone Choir and the ATU Brass Choir. He has also been part of a quartet of ATU trombone players that has made recordings and performed live shows.
“I really like it because it’s a nice complement to all the STEM stuff,” said Hodges. “I can sit in a room, writing equations for who knows how long…and a lot of them are wrong…I get to the point where I need to leave. (Music) provides a great outlet to do something different and try to stimulate the other side of my brain. There’s nothing better than making music with the people here.”
One of those people is Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, ATU professor of music, director of bands and conductor of the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
“Sometimes, I almost want to call him Coach,” said Hodges when asked about Belongia. “He brings a level of intensity to it and a level of care and attentiveness…he really loves music. You don’t have to talk to him long to know that. He really cares about getting everything just right. He digs into those tiny details. There’s a clear structure to how he wants to approach each semester, and everyone in that ensemble knows that every day you are going in there and striving to be the absolute best you can be.”
After his graduation from ATU in May 2026, Hodges plans on pursuing graduate study in astrophysics.
Wherever he goes, Arkansas Tech will always be a big part of his story.
“It’s really a lot of what you put into it,” said Hodges. “You can come here (to Arkansas Tech), you can stay in your dorm most of the time, you can go to your classes…you can do really well in your classes, graduate with a 4.0 and never do much else. But I think if you take the time to engage with the people around you, it will be a million times better. I’m not the only person doing things like this. I have friends who are studying physics and math, and then they’re involved in choir or theatre. You attract similar minded people. You will find someone who matches you here. It’s about taking the time to get engaged. That’s what makes the college experience more enjoyable.”
