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Student Research Opportunities
This page lists research opportunities in KIPAC for new students. Click on a faculty member's name for more information.
Allen, Steve
Steve Allen's research interests (http://www.stanford.edu/group/xoc/) are focused on galaxies and clusters of galaxies, using multi-wavelength (especially X-ray) observations to study the physics of these systems and using large statistical samples of clusters to probe the natures of dark matter and dark energy. A research opportunity for a new Ph.D. student may arise in the Spring or Summer quarters of 2009.
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
Elliott Bloom spends most of his research time working on the analysis of Fermi-LAT data for science projects in the areas of the search for dark matter and new physics, and understanding the gamma - ray diffuse background. Professor Bloom has room for more graduate students and many ideas for 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 research projects in observational cosmology are available for the 2009/2010 academic year. Projects will focus on preparations for the Dark Energy Survey (DES) that is scheduled for “first light” in the Fall of 2011. DES is a broad ground-based optical survey that will use the 4m Blanco telescope located in Northern Chile (ref: https://www.darkenergysurvey.org/ ). The scientific goals are measurements of cosmological parameters through the use of gravitational lensing, studies of clusters and large scale structure of galaxy populations. Projects include development of analysis techniques with simulated DES data, and studies with existing data from presently operating telescopes. Rotation projects can lead to continued work through the summer, and to thesis topics with DES.
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.
Gratta, Giorgio
Giorgio Gratta's research concentrates on the study of neutrino properities from the lowest to the highest energies. Positions for next PhD students (1 or 2 in the Fall 08) are on the EXO project (http://www-project.slac.stanford.edu/exo/) that is in the process of commissioning the largest neutrino-less double-beta decay experiment ever built. In addition EXO is studying very advanced and novel technologies to further suppress backgrounds for this type of experiments and extend the Majorana neutrino mass reach to less than 10 meV. The new students in the group will work on a variety of topics from the analysis of the data for the experiment under commissioning to the development of new particle detection and AMO techniques to be used in low background physics.
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.
Kuo, Chao-Lin
One or two research positions available in Cosmic Microwave Background instrumentation, observation, and data analysis. Both theoretically-oriented and experimentally-oriented students are welcome to contact me.
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 will be able to take on a student this Fall quarter. The research will be in general area of High Energy astrophysics but specifically on particle acceleration in astrophysical sources with application in clusters of galaxies or in accretion disks in active galactic nuclei.
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.
Roodman, Aaron
Research opportunities exist in observation cosmology with the Dark Energy Survey (DES) project. DES is a ground based wide field survey, with a new 600Mpixel camera under construction for the Blanco 4 meter telescope, and with first light in 2011. My scientific interest is primarily the measurement of weak gravitational lensing as a cosmological probe. Possible projects include the development of simulation and analysis tools in the chain from image quality to galaxy shape to weak lensing shear. Also I also have research opportunities for students interested in astronomical instrumentation, where I am doing sensor and fine-guidance R&D for the Joint Dark Energy Mission.
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.
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