Stacy Karthas

As a graduate research assistant, I created a simulation for particle interactions in subsystem detector using C++ package, Geant4, and developed an algorithm to identify particles using CERN’s analysis tool, ROOT. This involved extracting and calibrating ~1 TB of physics data for PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory. I performed a quality assurance task for a PostgreSQL database containing 1500 rows. I coordinated meetings, shifts, and data taking for two weeks with 1000+ person experiment.

I led an introductory physics course laboratory. I introduced each experiment to the ~30 students, explaining the physics theory and the experimental procedure. During the remainder of the 2 hour period, I assessed the students' knowledge based on a series of questions and clarified any confusion they may have been having while working on the experiment. Following the class period, I was responsible for grading the students' in-class assignment.

During this summer internship, I was analyzing a Helium-3 target in a laboratory at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Daily, I ran tests on the target, which was in a magnetic field, under high pressure, and in the presence of a Class-IV infrared laser. I worked with one other student and occasionally a graduate student or post-doctoral fellow to run tests to characterize the new apparatus which would be used, after I left, in nuclear physics experiments. http://education.jlab.org/ugresearch/13-11.html