I started as an operator in the CA-D main control room in January of 2023. We are responsible for handling all communication regarding the safety, operation, and day to day function of the particle accelerators at BNL, which include the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS), and the AGS Booster. Operation of the accelerators involves using magnets and radiofrequency cavities to guide and accelerate particle bunches through the accelerator rings, where the beam is either sent toward fixed targets or steered into collisions for research at the sPHENIX and STAR experiments.

What is the focus of your work on the sPHENIX experiment?

The electromagnetic calorimeter! Throughout my undergrad I worked with a wonderful small team of professors, technicians, and fellow students to assemble the tungsten absorber blocks which make up the ring of the detector. Each block was handcrafted and tested multiple times, and later shipped to BNL for cosmic ray calibrations. Once hired at BNL, I was lucky enough to take part in cabling of the sPHENIX TPC, so I have seen the sPHENIX detector in many stages of its life!

Where were you born and what is your background before your current position?

I grew up in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and then attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I received my B.S in Engineering Physics.

What was the most exciting/challenging project you have worked on?

Coming into BNL for the last few years of RHIC operations has been a whirlwind of challenges and excitement. I work with a strong and enthusiastic team of physicists and machine specialists who have taught me the hands-on applications of accelerator physics. Successfully creating circulating particle beams can feel like a puzzle at times, but it is very rewarding to witness the operations of such a large and intricate accelerator complex.

How did you decide to go into your profession??

From a young age I knew I enjoyed different aspects of engineering and STEM. I majored in engineering physics looking for a wide breadth of education, and later focused my studies in renewable energy. However, my four years working on the EMCal sparked interest for particle physics, and I changed course for operations here at BNL where I enjoy the technical and theoretical sides of my work.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My spare time is forever booked. If I am not at work, most often I am playing bass with my punk band, rollerblading, or back in Chicago lounging around my family home. I enjoy exploring the New York trails and beaches, and can often be found lurking around my favorite vegan bakery.

Fun fact?

Don’t tell my landlords, but I plan to get very good at playing the drums this summer!