3:30 pm MCP 201
Since the 1930s, when scientists began precise observations of galaxies, dark matter has remained one of science’s most enduring mysteries. In 1933, Fritz Zwicky introduced the concept of dark matter, arguing that an unseen gravitational force was needed to account for the unusually high orbital velocities of galaxies within the Coma Cluster. Later, in the 1970s, astronomer Vera C. Rubin and her colleagues provided observational evidence through galactic rotation curves, showing that the rotation speeds of stars in the outer regions of galaxies required an invisible gravitational source. Around the mid-to-late 1970s, particle physics advanced with the establishment of the Standard Model of fundamental particles and the development of compelling theories such as the WIMP miracle, leading to an explosion of research on dark matter as a fundamental particle. Dark matter became one of the most intriguing subjects, captivating the curiosity of countless scientists.
Since my Ph.D. studies, I have focused on dark matter research. Now, four years into my postdoctoral work, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a variety of dark matter topics. During my Ph.D., I worked with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) aboard the International Space Station, measuring the positron flux in search of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles. After earning my Ph.D., I joined the DUNE and SBN experiments at Fermilab, where I contributed to searches for Light Dark Matter and Axionlike Particles. While these experiments are large-scale collaborations, my current work has shifted to a smaller, tabletop scale with the DAMSA collaboration, where we are investigating Axionlike Particles.
Dark matter research is vast, reflecting the deep interest it inspires among scientists worldwide. Although I may not possess a comprehensive view of all areas within dark matter research, I would like to share my journey as a dark matter hunter and the path I’ve taken through this complex field.