Search for New Physics with the ATLAS Experiment at the LHC
Haichen Wang, Professor
Physics
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the most powerful particle accelerator ever built and researchers use its data to study what the universe was like shortly after the big bang. Researchers at Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) play a key role in all aspects of the ATLAS experiment, one of two main detectors at the LHC. Students who join our group work on a variety of projects, ranging from detector development to data analysis.
There are about a dozen ATLAS researchers stationed in Berkeley at any one time and there are a variety of projects available. Picking one of the general projects listed below does not commit you to a particular researcher or project. Projects and mentors are decided during and after the interview process.
Role: This program is expected to span multiple semesters. Initially, there will be a training program to bring student researchers up to speed. The focus will be on understanding basic concepts, learning software tools such as ROOT, and developing good research practices and work ethics. Once students are trained, they will be embedded in research projects to work with postdocs and graduate students, with the goal of completing an ATLAS data analysis project, which typically would result in a publication.
Qualifications: Students are expected to be self-motivated and should be good at time management. Students with heavy course loads during the semester are discouraged.
C++ and Python are used extensively in our data analysis. Please indicate your level and experience with programming languages in the application
Prior experience with machine learning algorithms and/or applications is desirable but not required. Please indicate in your application if you have any relevant experience.
Applicants should fill in this survey: https://forms.gle/mu3LybzFrAiL4Cxj8
Ideal candidates should be able to commit 12 hours or more weekly to the project. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Hours: 12 or more hours
Off-Campus Research Site: This project may be performed both on campus and at LBL
Related website: http://hwang43.web.cern.ch/hwang43/
Related website: https://atlas.cern/discover/physics