How long have you been working in sPHENIX and at what institution?
I joined sPHENIX in March 2024 when I became a postdoc at Stony Brook University.
What is the focus of your work on the sPHENIX experiment?
My work in sPHENIX focuses on all aspects of TPC performance on the software side. The TPC is a state-of-the-art detector, but it requires a detailed understanding of distortions and precise calibrations. I’m really happy to be part of the group that designed the TPC, even though I joined after the detector was already installed at sPHENIX. It’s a unique opportunity to be surrounded by people who know every tiny detail about it.
In the longer term, my focus is on heavy flavour physics and jets.
Where did you grow up, and what is your educational background before your current position?
I grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia, and studied at Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University. At the beginning of my master’s program, I joined the PHENIX collaboration and worked on a phi meson analysis in small collision systems at RHIC.
Awards or biggest talk highlight?
My biggest talk so far was “The study of identified charged-hadron production at PHENIX” at ICNFP 2024.
How did you decide to go into heavy ion or spin research?
I went to a high school with a focus on physics, mathematics, and programming. By the time I graduated, it was clear to me that physics was what I loved most. I knew I wanted to pursue experimental physics at the most fundamental level, which led me to join the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic group.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Most of all, I love to draw - just anything that inspires me. I also enjoy long walks, cooking, and birdwatching. Actually, I love to do a lot of things. I'm an NBA fan, my favourite player is Luka Doncic. Sometimes my husband and I go hooping. I love to watch all kinds of movies, from Luis Bunuel to Avatar the last airbender. I love to read, unfortunately I don't have much time for it now.. I have also played piano since I was 6, but I don't have one right now. Hope I'll get back to playing.
Fun fact?
I have a twin sister, Daria Larionova, who also works in heavy ion physics and is a member of the PHENIX collaboration. My husband, Iurii Mitrankov, is also at PHENIX and currently a postdoc at Stony Brook University. So, heavy ion physics is kind of a family business to me!