How long have you been working in sPHENIX and at what institution?
I did my undergrad (physics) and masters of science (in Instrumentation), at Stony Brook University. I joined the TPC lab during my undergrad years.
I am still working for sPHENIX, but I went to the CUNY graduate center and Baruch College (part of CUNY) for my PhD. Incidentally, I know Luke Legnosky and Kristina Finnelli from my time at the TPC lab.
What is the focus of your work on the sPHENIX experiment?
During my time at Stony Brook, I did various work for the TPC group. As part of my master’s thesis, I ran simulations for the diffuse laser system, and did thin film deposition of central membrane petals.
I am a part of the HCal (and calo calib.) group, and I spend a lot of time on related tasks. Research wise, lately I have been trying to extract the MBD efficiency as a function of leading jet pT for ppg09.
What is the title of your Ph.D. or tentative title?
No specific title yet, but broadly my thesis will be jet-substructure related.
Where did you grow up and what is your educational background before your current position?
I am from Queens, New York. I went to high school in Brooklyn. For undergrad and masters I was at Stony Brook, and I am currently enrolled in the CUNY Graduate Center & Baruch College.
Awards or biggest talk highlight?
I gave a technical talk about the TPC diffuse laser at DNP2020 (sPHENIX TPC diffuse laser light system).
How did you decide to go into heavy ion or spin research?
A good friend of mine recommended joining the TPC group. I enjoyed the hardware work a lot, and the physics sPHENIX was staged to probe was very interesting to me. The rest is history.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to read. I have a lot of books at home. Fantasy is the main stay of my collection, and after that it would be physics/math books, and then cook books if you can believe it.
Other than that, if I can find time, I may play a video game on my computer.
Fun fact?
I grow chilies at home. Carolina Reapers, Ghost Peppers, Thai green chilies , Birds-Eye chilies, Anchos, and more.
If you are interested in spicy peppers, I can hook you up…