Obituary of Mikhaela Gillman

Mikhaela "Mini" Jewell Gillman, 26, passed away on February 11, 2024, at her home in Albany, NY. Mikhaela was born on September 14, 1997, in Augusta, GA. During her short life, Mikhaela harnessed many passions, one of which was a love for science. She received a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and was pursuing a Ph.D. at the State University of New York at Albany. Mikhaela also worked as a teacher's assistant at UAlbany, offering her services to professors and peers. Her field of research was Entropic Dynamics, which she described as a way to rewrite quantum mechanics using entropy and probability to describe dynamics. She hoped to provide a more solid interpretation of quantum mechanics. Mikhaela's interest in physics began in high school at North Central Charter Essential School (Sizer), where she was tasked with a semester-long research project. She chose to study Phi, or the "golden ratio," which marked a turning point in her academic journey. Her love for knowledge and understanding was unmatched. Mikhaela was also a talented artist, who enjoyed drawing, painting, and creating fractals. She had a natural ability to express herself through art, and her work reflected her unique perspective on the world. She was also a self-taught musician who loved to sing and play the ukulele and keyboard. Her notes were always accompanied by a level of unparalleled passion and emotion. With her outgoing personality, Mikhaela was drawn to the performing arts from an early age. She made her debut in middle school playing a "who" in her school's production of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's "Seussical." She impressed her school's drama department, peers, and family alike with her rendition of "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers. Mikhaela had an insatiable curiosity about the cosmos and dreamed of being an astronaut or exploring the stars. She was fascinated by the mysticism and beauty of our solar system and wanted to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of it. Full of spirit and kindness, Mikhaela was a true humanitarian at heart who advocated for the eradication of hate in the world. She was an open advocate for women, minority groups, and wildlife, and was a champion for her fellow human beings. Mikhaela was also a devoted pet owner and a proud member of the Cat Nation. She loved her feline companions and believed that cat ownership offered valuable lessons in personal development. Mikhaela is survived by her parents Gina (Martone) Gillman, Brian Gillman (Abigail), Serinety Sticlaru and stepmother Sali Olmstead; her brothers Dylan, Patriot, and Jacob, sisters Alexis and Liberty, her fur babies Vök and Furmi, along with many of other family members and friends. Anyone who wishes to pay their respects may do so at a visitation on April 6, 2024, from 10:00-12:00 at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St, Schenectady, NY 12304. Instead of flowers, the family requests anyone who wishes to remember Mikhaela, to give a gift in her memory to your local animal shelter. Ad Astra – to the stars