---

The Interview:

Karen: Tell me about your current research. 

Alo:  My research is focused on the decay processes and interactions of the Higgs boson, as observed in the ATLAS experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). I’m working in Dr. John Hobbs’s high energy group – the Hbbμμ group – where we’re investigating a particular decay chain of the Higgs boson. The Higgs boson is a fundamental particle that gives rise to the Higgs field, which is the mechanism by which other elementary particles acquire mass. Our group studies decays of the Higgs boson to better understand this mechanism. The Hbbμμ group is investigating a particular decay chain, where a proton-proton collision produces a Higgs boson which decays into two pseudoscalars ‘a’, one of which decays into a b-quark pair (bb) and the other into a dimuon pair (μμ). 

My project extends this research to study an offshoot decay chain: pp→H→Za→bbμμ, where the Higgs decays into a Z-boson and the pseudoscalar ‘a’ before reaching the same final state. In my project, I am adapting the existing analysis to be compatible with the new Za mode. The data is collected centrally at the LHC, where proton beams are accelerated to extremely high energies (13 TeV) and then made to collide at various detectors. These detectors record data from many processes that occur after the collision, and our process of interest is the decay of the Higgs boson to the final state bbμμ. My work includes modifying the analysis program’s kinematic fitting, and retraining and evaluating the machine learning boosted decision tree for the new reaction. The program utilizes Monte Carlo analysis methods to evaluate the signal samples and the dominant backgrounds – ttbar and Z+ jets – using simulated events. In my work, I use ROOT, which is a C++ software and library developed by CERN for scientific data analysis and visualization. 

How did you get first involved with this research group? 

Since high school, I’ve been deeply interested in particle physics and keen on exploring it through experimental research. I’m from Illinois, so in high school I had the opportunity to take part in particle physics programs at Fermilab. I attended the SMP program which is a series of lectures and tours of Fermilab’s accelerator complex given as an introduction to particle physics. They covered theory, experiment, and the overall nature of collider physics research. Through that experience, I learned about the Higgs boson and associated Higgs field mechanism; and from then on I’ve wished to study them. 

I wanted to study Standard Model physics specifically, so I met with Dr. John Hobbs during my sophomore year and he shared with me what his group was researching. He gave me a couple of papers to read and answered my many questions throughout the semester. He was also my faculty supervisor for PHY287: Intro to Research last spring. Through that course, I was able to earn credit for my first semester of research, and then I became more involved in the group this summer through the Frances Velay Fellowship. 

Tell me about the overall environment in your research group

Much of my work is completely remote because the lab is in Geneva, Switzerland. We have 2 or 3 meetings every week via Zoom – with the Stony Brook and CERN ATLAS groups. Even though much of the work is done remotely, it doesn't really feel isolating because the nature of the project is very collaborative – ATLAS is a huge project with thousands of physicists across the world working on it. Ourweekly meetings are always a nice touch-base for me to share what I’ve been working on and to get mynext steps so that I’m constantly making progress, and I’m very thankful for that guidance. 

How has your mentor helped you to gain more skills / knowledge in this field? 

My mentor has provided me with every opportunity to ask questions and report on my progress invarious group meetings both at Stony Brook and also with other ATLAS researchers, and I’m very gratefulfor that. With every group meeting that I join, I feel like I’m contributing to a greater project, and thatencourages me more than I would have expected. I feel like what I'm doing matters because I get to learn from many physicists, and I've worked with some really amazing people because of that! 

During the last summer break, I participated virtually in a CAF (Common Analysis Framework) workshopheld by CERN in Heidelberg, Germany on my mentor’s recommendation. This was an importantexperience for my project because I learned the workflow of analyses like mine as well as the moretechnical aspects of the programs that we work with. I wouldn’t have known about it if not for myadvisor, so I’m very grateful that he has encouraged me to participate in these experiences. 

How would you say being involved in research has complemented your education overall? 

Research has definitely been a driving force in my education because it's been a way for me to gain familiarity with this rather high-barrier field and to explore advanced topics that I likely wouldn’t have encountered in academia until graduate school. For instance, studying particle physics requires an understanding of quantum field theory and quantum chromodynamics – topics that I haven't formally learned yet. I'm getting to learn it slowly and experientially through this work. Being involved in research pushes me to learn more in class which prepares me for research. It's like a positive feedback loop; research supports me academically, and vice versa.

What for you is your favorite part of research? And what for you is the most challenging part of doing this research. 

I’ve always held interest in physics of the Standard Model, so this project has been really important to me as it’s been my first time learning about particle physics experientially. Early exposure to this research has been an opportunity for me to work toward my academic and professional goals. The ATLAS project was a future goal, so getting to work on it as my first research experience has been really exciting! 

Since I had no prior experience in programming for physics research outside of class, I found this wholeproject to be quite daunting. I wasn’t aware just how much coding you have to do in this field, so in thebeginning I struggled to get started. Thankfully, there exists a huge database for ATLAS computing, and I reference it whenever I get stuck or have a question. My mentor and group members are also very responsive when I need help. They often refer me to existing tutorials within this database, and that has been the best way for me to gain domain-specific knowledge. I’m learning new programming languages,frameworks, and softwares, so my research has been a natural growing experience.

How did you find out about the Velay program? 

I first heard about the fellowship from Dr. Maria Nagan when she gave a presentation in one of my WISE classes. She encouraged me to apply for it, and I’m glad I did because it's been a really helpful experience. Summer research has allowed me to dedicate a lot of time to my project and be fullyimmersed in my work. I can be meticulous and take my time without feeling rushed or having to battlewith a hectic class schedule, so I’m glad to be part of the fellowship! 

What advice do you have for undergraduates about research? 

Try to start as early as you can. If you’re not sure what field you want to pursue, read up on the department’s faculty and get in contact with anyone whose work excites you. Let the research you step into be something that you feel passionate about and that challenges you to learn new skills and step out of your comfort zone. It’s also helpful to talk with your peers and upperclassmen because they can recommend certain labs and guide you. Research is a way for you to experience topics that you may never encounter in your undergraduate studies, so definitely ask around and take advantage of the opportunity! 

Was research a factor in why you chose to come to SBU and to the WISE program? 

Yes, it was a big reason why I came here. I’ve known for a while that I want to pursue graduate school and a career as an experimental physicist. Stony Brook’s undergraduate research opportunities and support from the WISE program were important factors in my decision, as was its activity in high energy physics research. The faculty here are very welcoming to young researchers, and that’s really important in preparing students for graduate school and for careers in STEM. 

Have you had the experience before of presenting a research poster? 

No, I never have. I'm excited to present for the first time at the Summer Symposium next month!