How long have you been working in sPHENIX and at what institution?
I started working on sPHENIX in 2018 during my undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University. In my first two years of research I was able to attend two test beams at Fermilab which were both wonderful opportunities.
What is the focus of your work on the sPHENIX experiment? What is the title of your Ph.D. or tentative title?
My work is mainly focused on the Time Projection Chamber. In previous years I dealt mostly with the hardware of the detector but have gradually transitioned to more analysis focused projects. Recently I've been analyzing data from the energy monitor diodes in the TPC line lasers and also helped with the gain analysis efforts for the TPC during our cosmics runs earlier this year. My thesis topic is still undecided.
Where did you grow up and what is your educational background before your current position?
I grew up on Long Island and have lived here all my life. I received a B.S in Applied Math and Physics as well as a Master's in Instrumentation, both from Stony Brook.
Awards or biggest talk highlight?
I gave my first talk at the Division of Nuclear Physics conference in 2024 which was a nice experience.
How did you decide to go into heavy ion or spin research?
During my undergraduate studies I was looking for research opportunities and was recommended to join the TPC group at Stony Brook. I really enjoyed getting to work with and learn about detector hardware and found the physics behind the quark gluon plasma to be deeply intriguing so I decided to stay in the field for my Master's and now my PhD.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy playing guitar, ballroom dancing, and gaming (video games, board games, D&D, etc.).
Fun fact?
I've been dancing ballroom competitively for about 8 years and usually compete 5-6 times a year.