I work in the Moore Lab on the SIMPLE experiment. We use light to levitate micro- and nanoscale spheres to search for physics beyond the standard model. I am building a new experiment that will trap radioactive 100 nm spheres and search for sterile neutrinos being emitted during beta decays. We will be able to measure the position of the spheres to an accuracy of 5 pm which will give us outstanding sensitivity to external forces.
What is the most unique and/or exciting experience you’ve had here at Wright Lab?
I’ve been blown away by the friendly and collaborative atmosphere at Wright Lab. From the informal coffee breaks to the journal clubs the whole lab is a small community and it is just a great environment to work in. It seems unique amongst the research institutions I have visited or been a part of.
What are you looking forward to in the coming year at Wright Lab?
I’m excited to start searching for new physics with the experiment I’m building. I’ve just been setting it up for the past year so it will be great to get stuck into some actual data runs.
What is something that people might not know about you that you’d like to share with the community?
I go rock climbing and mountaineering in my free time. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and was president of the mountaineering club for one year of my undergraduate degree. Connecticut isn’t a very mountainous state, but there are a surprising number of places to go rock climbing and I am looking forward to experiencing climbing throughout the U.S. whilst I’m here. The photo (above) shows me on the summit of Aiguille Dibona in southern France.