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Student Research Opportunities
Up one levelThis page lists research opportunities in KIPAC for new students. Click on a faculty member's name for more information.
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Allen, Steve
Steve Allen's research interests are focused on galaxies and clusters of galaxies, using multi-wavelength observations to study the physics of these systems and using large statistical samples to probe the nature of dark matter and dark energy in the Universe. A research opportunity exists for a student to work on new Subaru wide-field lensing observations of extremely massive galaxy clusters discovered in the Massive Cluster Survey...
Blandford, Roger
Roger Blandford and his colleagues have broad interests in particle astrophysics and cosmology. These include studies of gravitational lensing, compact objects (black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs) and cosmic rays. The topics range from pure theory through phenomenological studies to analysis of observational data. Some of the research is strongly computational but plenty is not. At present Roger has no vacancies but is happy to talk with students and try to help them find rotation and long term advisers.
Bloom, Elliott
Professor Bloom is a member of the KIPAC GLAST Physics Department and spends most of his research time currently working on understanding the GLAST LAT instrument using ground data, and planning for LAT science in the areas of the search for dark matter and new physics, and observations of gamma ray bursts. The Department has room for more graduate students and many projects that could lead to a thesis.
Burchat, Pat
Opportunities exist in Pat Burchat's research group to contribute to fundamental physics both in accelerator-based particle physics, through the BABAR experiment at SLAC, and in the investigation of dark energy, with existing astronomical data sets and through the design, construction and study of scientific opportunities with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). i) Members of the Stanford group are currently analyzing an extensive sample of high-quality optical images of galaxy clusters, using gravitational lensing to measure cluster masses and constrain cosmology. For the LSST project, the group will focus on elements of the camera design and the study of cosmological probes for investigating dark energy. ii) The BABAR experiment is currently recording data at the PEP-II B Factory at SLAC for the study of CP violation in the B meson system as well as precision measurements and searches for rare decays of bottom, charm and tau particles. Graduate students have opportunities to contribute in either of these areas.
Burke, David
Opportunities for rotation research projects in experimental cosmology are available for the fall and winter quarters. These include analysis of existing data from optical telescopes and/or participation in R&D for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. The scientific goals are measurements of cosmological parameters through the use of gravitational lensing techniques. These projects can lead to continued work through the summer, and to development of thesis topics.
Cabrera, Blas
Main research effort on search for dark matter in the form of WIMPs or weakly interacting massive particles. Rotation projects available: CDMS II and the SuperCDMS 25 kg Experiment
Church, Sarah
Our group builds instrumentation to observe the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation (CMB) at millimeter wavelengths. The CMB is a virtually pristine relic of conditions in the universe approximately 400,000 years after the Big Bang and by studying it we can test our understanding of the laws of physics in the extreme conditions that occurred in the first few moments after the Big Bang. Our research uses telescopes located at some of the best sites in the world for millimeter wavelength astronomy, including the South Pole, the Chilean Andes, and Mauna Kea in Hawaii. We are now accepting applications from current graduate students for Spring Quarter rotations. The following types of work are available:
Funk, Stefan
Stefan Funk's research interests are related to High-energy Astrophysics, in particular Gamma-ray astronomy in the GeV and TeV energy band to understand particle acceleration in astrophysical sources. A research opportunity exists for student to work on various topics related to a) data analysis and interpretation of data from the upcoming GLAST satellite (in the energy range between 100 MeV and 100 GeV, a previously largely unexplored window of the electromagnetic spectrum). b) development of identification strategies of GeV and TeV gamma-ray sources using Multi-frequency data from radio to X-rays and c) optimisation studies or hardware development for a future ground-based TeV gamma-ray instrument such as CTA or AGIS.
Kahn, Steve
My research group is primarily working on the design and development of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), and its application to research in fundamental cosmology. Rotations students joining my group can help to develop laboratory prototypes of key LSST subsystems, and/or participate in simulation and data analysis efforts in the study of weak lensing systematics. There are a number of thesis opportunities in these areas.
Kamae, Tune
I work on particle acceleration and interaction in astronomical environment related to future GLAST-LAT observations. This work involves basic particle physics and astrophysics as well as computational skill using python and numarray. I will be happy to accept one rotation student who is interested in acquiring computational skill for astrophysics. Experience in computation is welcome but not required.
Madejski, Greg
Greg Madejski is currently looking for students for both rotation projects, and longer-term research leading to a PhD thesis. Greg's research interests are mainly in extragalactic astrophysics. This includes (1) studies of active galactic nuclei, powered by release of gravitational energy onto massive black holes, and an associated formation and evolution of relativistic jets; and (2) studies of clusters of galaxies, and in particular the processes responsible for the heating of the X-ray emitting intra-cluster gas.
Petrosian, Vahe
I may be able to take on a student Winter quarter. The research topic will be High Enegry Astrophysics in general and particle accelaeration in clusters of galaxies, in accretion disks around black holes.
Romani, Roger
Our group studies a variety of topics in 'high energy' astrophysics and cosmology. At present our biggest need is for students to help with our study of gamma-ray blazars with GLAST. This involves observations at a range of energies (Radio-IR-optical-X-ray --> GLAST!) and theoretical model building. The goals are to study the formation of powerful jets by super-massive black holes and to use these sources to study black hole and galaxy evolution through cosmic time. Some of this work is joint with Prof. Michelson. We also study high energy processes around neutron stars and there may be rotation opportunities in this area. Check with me or my students to see what is hot at the moment.
Schindler, Rafe
My research group is primarily focused on the instrumentation for the focal plane and cryostat in the camera of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). R&D projects for students would involve prototyping of precision alignment systems, metrology, constructing instrumentation for optical contamination studies, and thermal modeling.
Wagoner, Robert
Although I am Emeritus, I am willing to consider supervising one or two students. However, I cannot provide direct financial support. My research areas (theoretical) are probes of black holes and other compact objects, gravitational radiation, theories of gravitation, and cosmology.
Wechsler, Risa
Theoretical cosmology and astrophysics. Galaxy formation, large-scale structure. Constraints on cosmological parameters, dark matter, dark energy. Numerical simulations, large galaxy surveys.
Cosmology Seminar: Michael Zemcov (JPL/Caltech)