Brian Thomas 

“I learned a lot about what it is means to do experimental particle physics, and increased my knowledge of physics in general.  I also refind my interests by talking to people doing work that I am interested in.”
 

 I am a senior at the University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California.  My professional interests include astrophysics, especially cosmology, and particle physics.  I plan on going to graduate school after graduating from UOP and eventually becoming professor

This summer I worked primarily on investigating a new detector material to use in particle accelerator experiments.  Normally we use silicon to detect particles, but in some experiments the high levels of radiation damage silicon detectors beyond usability, so we need a material that withstands radiation better.  I worked on this project with Deirdre Roberts and Teela Pulliam.

I also did some data analysis work related to a test that was done on the GLAST detectors.  I worked with Kevin Yarritu, Wilko Kroeger, and Deirdre Roberts on this project.

See also my web page for more info.
 

 
 
Dennis Melton 
 
“I walked away every day knowing more than I knew the day before.”
 

I am a junior at UCSC.  I am interested in high energy/particle physics.

I worked on simulations of the GLAST telescope in order to achieve optimum resolution using graded converter foils and also adjustable tray spacing.

I also worked on automating a silicon strip detector (SSD) characterization process using an automatic probe station in order to fulfill the requirement for GLAST that multiple tests be done on all SSDs after manufacture and before implementation into assembly to ensure optimum data yield in space.
 

 Kevin Yarritu 

“I absolutely enjoyed this experience because it involved problem solving and learning new things (ex. C++), both of which I love doing.”
 

As of now,  I am a senior at Southern Methodist University (before you wonder, I am not a Methodist).  I enjoy many things which include physics, soccer, tennis, and just in general having fun, however this may occur.  I want to go to graduate school in physics, although at this moment in time I do not have a strong preference of where I want to go.

I worked on two projects this summer.  One of them involved analyzing data of an experiment that was run at SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator Center).  I learned how to use PAW (Physics Analysis Workstation) and even how to make pretty 3-D color pictures.  For the second project, I wrote a program in C++ that looks for bad capacitors in detectors, which are eventually going to detect gamma rays.  I even had the opportunity to see the program in action by testing the detectors myself.
 

 
 Rachel Cannara 

“I found this experience to be an excellent learning experience but somewhat of a disturbance in the path I thought I would take throughout my career in physics.  The more I discover, the less I know what I want to do in the future.  This program is great for anyone who likes working amongst a lot of people and learning by doing hands-on work.”

I will be a junior at UCSC this fall quarter.  I initially planned on entering the field of astrophysics after completing my physics degree but am now uncertain since solid state physics is intriguing to me.

Although I had various projects to work on, I primarily worked on the characterization of high pass capacitor chips and low resistivity detectors.  The detectors, in particular, were very interesting.  Up until now, I have been helping to take data on the depletion voltages of a number of these detectors.  After this work is done, we will irradiate all of them and analyze the effects of irradiation on the depletion voltages and, hence, the lifetimes of these detectors.

 
Sean Stromberg 

“I learned a great deal and had lots of fun.  The weekly lectures were awesome.  The only thing I regret is that my project didn’t contain much physics.”
 

I transferred to UCSC this winter from Palomar College in San Diego.  I plan on staying here for two more years and then going to graduate school somewhere else to study field theory.

This summer I worked on testing systems to test the readout electronics for the GLAST satellite.  It taught me a great deal about digital electronics, circuit board construction, and how to interface computers with hardware and testing structures.
 

 
 
 
 
Sonya Hoobler 

"This is a great program and an incredible learning experience because it mixes hands-on lab work with weekly lectures from members of the faculty on different topics, tours of various scientific facilities, and just spending time in the academic environment.  All of this makes it a great all-around education."
 

I transferred to UCSC this last fall from Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, CA and will be a junior in physics this fall.   I came to UCSC with a special interest in astrophysics but now am unsure which area of physics I would like to pursue.  I will be graduating in two years and then probably going directly to grad school.

I spent this summer testing the effects of various adhesives on the silicon strip detectors that will be used in the GLAST project.  I spent most of my time doing I-V curves on these detectors before and after the application of the adhesives and trying to understand any changes that occurred.
 
 
 

Jennifer Daniels

Our illustrious and very hard working REU secretary!  Thanks Jen!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 Back to '98 REU Page