Andres Aragoneses: I am looking for a student to do research in complex systems & optics. Complex dynamics can be found in neuronal behavior, in the brain, in transport networks, on twitter or Facebook, in earthquakes, in economy, … These systems are not related but they share some underlying dynamics. Unveiling similarities will push our understanding in their behavior. On the other hand, diode lasers are well known, practical and powerful tools that we can use to generate and study complex dynamics, that we can use to better understand other systems, such as neurons. In this research we would be analyzing, through statistical tools, the dynamics of these optical systems looking for connections with other complex systems.
Frank McNally My research topics currently follow two avenues: 1) using cosmic-ray data from IceCube (https://icecube.wisc.edu/) to look for nearby sources and/or the structure of the local galactic magnetic field, and 2) improving air-shower reconstruction using likelihood-based methods. In the past, I have also worked with the Carleton Summer Science Institute, where I taught a class on particle astrophysics and worked with students on a cell-phone-as-cosmic-ray-
Plans for the upcoming summer are uncertain, but it’s possible I’ll be looking for 1-2 students interested in astrophysics and science education. Programming experience is preferred as there will be a lot of it, but not a must for students willing to learn. Interested students could start as soon as spring term, and should email me at fmcnally@carleton.edu.
Arjendu Pattanayak: This summer I expect to have one or two students working with me on the behavior of nonlinear quantum systems. If you have worked with me before the summer it is usually a good idea, but come by and talk to me about next year etc if you would like. Current research interests include trying to control quantum chaos, and to understand micro-energy harvesting in various different kinds of small devices. The work is both analytical and computational, and some students get going with few assumptions about their background. Several sophomores and some first-year students have done really well in my group. I do like a commitment for at least 2 terms mostly because there is a learning curve and wrapping up things takes longer than expected usually. Travel to conferences to report on results is very likely. Some more information is at http://www.people.carleton.
Jay Tasson A diverse set of opportunities exist for two students to work with me on projects related to relativity testing (testing Lorentz symmetry). The big-picture goal of this line of research is to try to gain some information that would guide the merge of General Relativity and quantum mechanics into a single consistent theory, but most of the work involved is much more down-to-Earth. The opportunities could involve a variety of activities ranging from data analysis to paper and pencil theory and span a variety of areas of physics (gravitational waves, relativistic quantum mechanics, laboratory gravity tests, …). There are also projects suited to a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. Even if you’ve just taken introductory physics, you may be qualified. For more information, see my web page http://people.carleton.