Distribution of dark matter in the Universe and the evolution of the dark energy density using gravitational lensing and other astrophysical techniques.  

The Brown Particle Astrophysics group is focused on the direct detection of dark matter, as part of the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) collaboration. The LZ experiment is located at the Sanford Laboratory at Homestake Mine in South Dakota. LZ is a two-phase xenon Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detector, filled with 7 tonnes of liquid xenon. The first result of LZ delivered the world-leading sensitivity in the search for the WIMP (weakly interacting massive particles) dark matter.

To this end, the group performs R&D on low background, rare event search experiments. Specifically, the Brown group takes the key roles of PMT (PhotoMultiplier Tube) system experts and nuclear recoil calibrations. Undergraduate projects will focus on analysis and simulations for LZ. Students involved with the experiment will gain substantial experience in underground science, rare event searches, and cutting-edge technologies in particle astrophysics.

Openings are available for the academic year and/or summer.

Current research is focused on measuring the atmospheres of exoplanets to understand their climate and atmospheric dynamics.  Projects include instrumentation and analysis.  The group also has interest in measuring the cosmic microwave background and the 21 cm signal from neutral hydrogen to understand the beginning and ageing of the Universe.

Seeking talented and enthusiastic undergraduates to participate in research on bacterial swimming and cell crawling. Work involves experiments using various microscopy techniques, as well as computer modeling and simulations.

Available projects are: DNA dynamics in solid-state nanopores, DNA dynamics in nanofluidic structures, Single-molecule DNA manipulation using optical tweezers, and Electrokinetic energy harvesting in nanofluidic channels.

Contact for openings for students to work on simulating NMR spectra in materials exhibiting exotic magnetic and orbital orders and on various aspects of applying NMR to quantum computing.

Seeking undergraduates to join research projects: nanoscale electronic devices, electron spin-based electronics, nanotechnology, magnetic materials, and thin-film technology. Research involves sample preparation, electrical and magnetic measurement, data analysis, computer simulation, and writing scientific reports and presentations.

The Physics of Swimming Paramecia – we are investigating how paramecia sense forces as they swim. Their force sensing mechanism is ultra sensitive and not well understood. And, Nanostructured superconductors and metals – we investigate how patterning metals and superconductors with nanometer scale structure (like perforating them with small holes) influences their properties.

Current opening for an undergraduate to work on a climate modeling project. Familiarity with basic physics and the ability to program computers is required. 

Marston Research Group Website

Check back for openings for undergraduates to work on various aspects of field theory and string theory.

Explore nature's high energy frontier by becoming involved in experimental particle physics, with funded research opportunities associated with the CMS detector at the Large Hadron Collider, including visits to Fermilab and CERN. Undergraduates can contribute to data analysis and physics results and participate in hands-on detector work including R&D on advanced detectors, both in the summer and during the academic year. To discuss these possibilities, you can contact Professors Ulrich Heintz or Greg Landsberg.