Summer Research and Outreach Fellow

The student position(s) are the Queen’s Summer Science Research and Outreach Fellows, who split their time between doing a research project with Queen’s research faculty, and organizing, developing, and running the Queen’s Summer of Science summer camp for middle school and high school students. This project aligns with several Queen’s strategic goals, including research impact, student learning, research & teaching integration, and Queen’s in the community. Past Fellows have found a passion for research, going on to do graduate studies and impactful research contributions. Meanwhile, through the Summer of Science since 2019, we have had significant impact on the next generation of scientists here in Kingston, across Canada, and abroad. The Summer of Science has remained a consistent program while other summer offerings at Queen’s have disappeared (e.g., the shutdown of the Enrichment Studies Unit’s own programming). Throughout the program’s history, we have hired 22 students and have enriched the summers of over 140 high school and middle school students. This program has provided mentorship to undergrad students in the sciences aligned with the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute (MI), and the Carbon-to-Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI), both Tier-I Research Institutes at Queen’s pushing into new frontiers of the physical sciences.

Astroparticle physics is the study of the fundamental properties of the most basic building blocks of nature, and their influence on the evolution of structure in the Universe. The questions being addressed in this field are considered, world-wide, to be among the most important in physics today. Led by many of the scientists who developed the renowned Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) that grew into SNOLAB in Sudbury, Ontario, and theorists progressing models from the fundamental properties of dark matter to the imprint of dark matter on cosmological scales, Canada and Queen’s University have become a world leader in this field. The work performed at SNO and SNOLAB has led to a number of prestigious awards for both the team and the Director (Dr. Arthur B. McDonald) including the co-shares of the Nobel Prize in Physics 2015 and the 2016 Breakthrough Prize. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in research intensity in the field of astroparticle physics.

Queen’s University has since become the host institute for a successfully granted major award from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), creating the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, or the McDonald Institute (hereafter MI). This award has enabled Queen’s University and partner institutions to significantly build on their capacity to deliver a world-leading scientific research program in astroparticle physics as well as related fields, such as geochemistry, chemistry, material science, and engineering, while engaging industry partners, students, and the public.

Last year, to expand, enrich, and support the chemistry components offered at Summer of Science, MI partnered with the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute at Queen’s University in co-running the Summer of Science. Established in 2021, the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI) at Queen’s University is an interdisciplinary research, innovation and education institute led by Scientific Director, Dr. Cathleen Crudden. The C2MCI was established through a highly competitive grant from the New Frontiers Research Fund-Transformation (NFRF-T) Program. C2MCI is recognized as a leader in the conduct of international interdisciplinary ground-breaking research spanning the disciplines of chemistry, condensed matter physics, radiation physics, engineering, corrosion science, nanomaterials, radiation oncology and clinical medicine. C2MCI’s goals are to develop novel molecular coating materials that reduce corrosion of metals used for transportation and energy infrastructure, result in innovative microelectronics manufacturing processes, and lead to new precision cancer therapeutics. Our current active faculty membership is composed of chemists, physicists, medical researchers, materials scientists, engineers, oncologists, art historians, theorists, and experimentalists, with clinical and industrial collaborators from Canada, Africa, Japan, USA, Finland, Germany, and UK.

The MI and the C2MCI will enable unprecedented opportunities to shape the development of science in Canada, promote scientific excellence, provide unparalleled training opportunities, and engage youth and the general public through targeted outreach programs. This engagement, facilitated through programs like Queen’s Summer Science Research and Outreach Fellows, will ensure a sustained influx of scientific and diverse talent to astroparticle physics, chemistry, and the broader sciences, maintaining Canada as a world-leader in these fields. The proposed summer position(s) sit within this focus of training, engagement, and experiential learning of younger Canadians and early career researchers. 

The present generation of astroparticle physics experiments are predicated on new theoretical models, and improvements in the fields of geochemistry, engineering, and material science, and their corresponding technologies. During and now beyond the CFREF funding period of MI, several of these experiments are leading or will lead the world in sensitivity to weakly interacting particles. These experiments have the capability for the first direct observation of dark matter particles or neutrinoless double beta decay. The direct detection of dark matter particles could tell us the completely unknown nature of this form of matter that comprises 84% of the mass in our Universe. The observation of neutrinoless double beta decay can determine the neutrino mass and the nature of this fundamental particle, and solve a long-standing mystery about the overabundance of matter vs antimatter in the Universe. Other constraints on dark matter come from improving theoretic models and their implications in astronomical and cosmological contexts. This area of physics is a top priority worldwide, and discoveries of this magnitude would sustain Canada as a global leader in this area of scientific research. Importantly, new technologies and theories to study these difficult-to-detect particles also leads to better methods in the other application of particle physics, including medical imaging and isotope creation, fire detection, and radiation mitigation.

C2MCI research focuses on the development of coating materials that have a profound influence at various length scales from macro to nano. On the macro scale, we are developing a molecular primer approach that enhances the stability and lifespan of metals used for transportation and energy infrastructure, which is crucial for Canada’s economic and environmental sustainability. Novel manufacturing processes are being developed to enable new methods of constructing microelectronic devices, positioning Canada at the forefront of technological innovation. Additionally, we are working on precision nanomedicines for cancer treatment, contributing to global advancements in healthcare and improving the quality of life for patients.

Positioning and maintaining Canada as a leader in these areas requires sustained support of science by the Canadian public, training of younger scientists, and exposure of chemistry, astroparticle physics, and science generally to young and aspiring researchers.

Reporting to the Manager for Education & Public Outreach (EPO) at the McDonald Institute and/or the Program and Training Coordinator (PTC) at C2MCI, each Queen’s Summer Science Research and Outreach Fellow (Fellow) will be responsible for both research, and research tools for training middle and high school students. 50% of the Fellow(s)’s time will be in progressing a research project of their choice with a Tier-I Faculty (advertised at mcdonaldinstitute.ca/summer_fellow/), with the intent to produce or contribute to a scientific paper. Their other 50% of time will be co-developing and implementing a summer school (Queen’s Summer of Science: mcdonaldinstitute.ca/summer-of-science/) for their cohort of four-to-twelve middle and high school students. The students in the cohort are the Queen’s Summer Scholars (Scholars). Each Fellow works with their research supervisor and manager to give the Scholars a hands-on introduction to science as a practice and profession, including skills training (computing, theory, experimental design, data entry, report writing), and a scaled-down, entry-level version of the research project the Fellow is pursuing (or similar projects depending on the Scholars’ interests). The summer would conclude with each of the Scholars presenting to their peers and the department and interested public on their work over the term of the summer camp. This would be followed by each Fellow presenting their research project to their peers, department and interested public. By having multiple Fellows, as in past years, their cohorts of Scholars will experience a focus on different science content. Thus, five Fellows are needed to accommodate the large and broad interest in science of kids in Kingston and beyond using a hybrid approach of both in-person camps and virtual camps (assuming in-person camps continue to be possible, although if we must move to virtual we have demonstrated over the past three years that we can still run the full program remotely), allowing for up to 60 Kingston+ youth to attend our summer camp. Further, more Fellows lead to more collaboration between them as they prepare their respective camp content, using their peers as a resource to facilitate their learning and growth. All SWEP Fellows from the last six years in this role said that the program was significantly more successful due to this peer learning opportunity. They have also highlighted that the cross-disciplinarity of the group of Fellows further broadens their respective opportunities and learning over the summer.

The McDonald Institute pivoted all activities to remote and online work due to COVID-19 restrictions. Over the summers of 2020 and 2021, the Institute took great care to engage our summer students in regular virtual one-on-one meetings, larger team meetings, online training opportunities, and virtual social events to foster a sense of belonging during their placement. Since 2022, we facilitated a hybrid working environment, allowing both in-person and remote participation, that the Fellows valued for their personal safety and comfort level, and circumstance. All activities planned for the 2025 Fellows can be done remotely online, in person, or a blend thereof. All research positions proposed by faculty will reflect this versatile nature. The placement will be discussed with the student in advance of their start date and will be informed by provincial regulations, Queen’s University COVID policies, and the needs of the student.

The skills listed below are a wish list, thus we respect individuals will use this role as a way to develop these skills and demonstrate their growth throughout the job.

• Must have completed at least two years of a physics, engineering physics, astronomy, computer science, mathematics, geology, material science, or chemistry major. However, those pursuing a concurrent education degree could be considered following completion of a single year.
• An interest in physics, astronomy, geology, chemistry, materials science, biochemistry, health science, science research, outreach, and/or education.
• Capacity to mentor, assist, and support younger students. A background check is mandatory.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with strong skills in setting priorities and time management.
• Ability to work as part of a team, work well with others, and accept guidance.
• Serve as an ambassador in a manner that provides a positive reflection of the McDonald Institute’s vision, goals, and mission.
• Support efforts to advance equity, diversity, and inclusivity in a learning environment.

Each Fellow will have the unique opportunity to experience research from a scientific pursuit, and a pedagogical lens through which they will be mentoring Scholars in what may be their first experience in research. This position also allows for clear impact on the Kingston and broader community by sharing many of the skills developed above with a large cohort of an even younger generation. These kids will very likely pursue science study in undergrad, and we have received feedback that this experience increases their interest in pursuing those studies at Queen’s University. Past Scholars have also shared with us their continued success in science education, including students that have won prestigious national scholarships and admission to Ivy League institutions. In addition to working with a team of world-leading physicists that includes the co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize for Physics, Dr. Arthur B. McDonald, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to visit exclusive research facilities such as SNOLAB during their stay with MI. They will be supported by an administrative team, will report to MI’s Manager for Education & Public Outreach and/or C2MCI’s Program and Training Coordinator, and will have contact with MI’s and C2MCI’s Scientific Directors, Dr. Tony Noble and Dr. Cathleen Crudden respectively, and Associate Director of External Relations, Edward Thomas. Finally, there would be financial support available to have the Fellow attend a conference to present their work, likely in late Summer, or in Fall or Winter of 2025-2026. In the past students have presented at the Canadian Astroparticle Physics Summer Student Talk competition at SNOLAB held in August, the Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics, and the Congress for the Canadian Association of Physicists.

HIDDEN

Here we will list available research projects. This list will continue to be added to until January 12th.  Please indicate in your application which research project(s) (maximum of 2, ranked) you would like to pursue, and a small discussion of why it interests you.

PAST PROJECTS INCLUDE:

1. Evolution of galaxy scaling relations in cosmological simulations, with Dr. N. Arora & K. Spekkens:
   https://www.queensu.ca/physics/people-search/nikhil-arora
   Related Topics: Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science
   Comparisons between cosmological simulations and observations of galaxies enable a refined understanding of galaxy formation and evolution. Typically, successful simulations have mostly been constrained to match the slope, and sometimes scatter, of scaling relations between galaxy parameters in the local Universe (z ∼ 0). To better understand theories of galaxy formation and evolution and better constrain cosmological models (such as interaction of dark matter with luminous matter in the Universe), we propose to compare simulations and observations of galaxies using scaling relations at various key cosmic times. The goal of the project will be to study the evolution of correlations between galaxy properties from cosmological simulations. The project will include multi-wavelength views of simulated galaxies as if they were seem through a telescope. Using these mock observations as a function of cosmic time, we will be able to quantify how galaxy properties and their correlation change for a given cosmological theory. Finally, comparing the result of the mock data with actual observations of galaxies will inform us where our theories deviate from reality!
2. Searching for Strong Spin-Dependent Dark Matter Interactions Using Astrophysical Systems, PI: Dr. J. Bramante: https://www.physics.queensu.ca/facultysites/bramante/
   Dark matter may predominantly interact with nuclei via spin-dependent interactions. This project will investigate the detection of strong spin-dependent dark matter interactions, and derive new bounds on dark matter, using a number of existing astrophysical experiments and datasets, including the XQC rocket, the 1978 Skylab plastic tracker experiment, and dark matter’s contributions to the total heat flow emanating from the surface of the earth.
3. Constraining the Diversity of Dark Matter Haloes: PI: Dr. S. Courteau: https://www.physics.queensu.ca/facultysites/courteau/research/
   Some recent numerical simulations of galaxies in LCDM universe have failed to reproduce the diversity of observed galaxy rotation curves, leading to a vast introspection about the assumptions and limitations of galaxy simulations in general. While some numerical models are more successful than others at reproducing specific properties of galaxies, none can reproduce the simultaneous realm of galaxy structures.  Identifying what properties are primarily driven by the dark matter component in galaxies, a holy grail for LCDM studies and modern astrophysics, requires that baryonic signatures be carefully calibrated. While significant efforts are currently being invested in reproducing the full range of galaxy rotation curves, we are exploiting a new spatially resolved diagnostic that holds the power of solving both this problem and separating baryonic and dark matter potentials at all radii.  The SWEP student will take advantage of an impressive suite of galaxy rotation curves and light profiles (largest of its kind to date) to calculate their inner gradients and make direct comparisons with state-of-the-art numerical simulations of galaxies (called NIHAO). The student will then be able to constrain for the first time the ratio of baryons to dark matter at all radii in galaxies by properly calibrating the simulations with observed data.  Access to our unique catalogues of observed and simulated galaxies is finally making this important project possible. The student should be proficient in python programming and may explore data modeling and machine learning applications. A refereed publication based on this work is expected.
4. Hunt for high-energy particle accelerators in the Universe with multi-messenger data, PI: Dr. N. Park: https://www.queensu.ca/physics/nahee-park
   Recently a high-energy neutrino event triggered an intense campaign of follow-up observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio up to gamma rays. The neutrino event was coming from the direction of a distant supermassive black hole classified as a blazar. Multi-messenger observations, the observations that combine information from many different particle messengers, are essential for us to study extremely powerful accelerators such as blazars existing in our Universe. In this project, the summer student will learn to understand neutrino and gamma-ray production from different astrophysical environments. The student will develop automated analysis pipelines to process publicly available X-ray and gamma-ray data in preparation for alerts from interesting events. The student will also develop a multi-messenger database to collect and organize existing multi-messenger data.
5. Let’s be real: adding imperfection to the detector simulation for HELIX, PI: Dr. N. Park: https://www.queensu.ca/physics/nahee-park
   A better understanding of propagation through our Galaxy is the key to understanding new features of the cosmic-ray flux (such as the unexpected excess of anti-matter) discovered by space-based experiments. HELIX is a long-duration balloon experiment designed to measure cosmic-ray isotopes to improve our understanding of the propagation of these particles. To achieve its scientific goals, HELIX needs to measure the trajectories and velocities of the particles very precisely. The summer student will add real-life imperfections, such as warped scintillator and aerogel surfaces, into the simulation model used to characterize the HELIX detector in order to evaluate the impact of realistic imperfections on the precision of the measurements.
6. Spotting dark matter decays into neutrinos, PI: Dr. A. Vincent: https://www.queensu.ca/physics/aaron-vincent
   Dark matter is the mysterious substance that holds our galaxy together gravitationally, but we still have no good picture of its fundamental nature. Some theories of dark matter predict that it may slowly decay into standard model particles. Even if this decay rate is too slow to measurably deplete the dark matter abundance in the Universe, these daughter particles could give a telltale sign of what the DM is composed of. In this project, we will examine one particular scenario: what if dark matter decays to neutrinos? This will involve a survey of neutrino telescopes around the globe, and the calculation of expected neutrino fluxes from dark matter at those telescopes, allowing us to place constraints, search for potential signals, and determine how well future telescopes will be able to help reveal the nature of dark matter.
7. Pursuing inorganic crystalline materials as radiation detectors, PI: Dr. P. Wang: http://queensucmcg.ca/team/cmcg-advisor/
   The advancement of many new technologies is empowered by the availability of specific inorganic crystalline compounds. In the field of astroparticle physics, single crystal materials are extensively used as detectors to study the interactions between cosmic radiation and matters. Our research focuses on the discovery and development of inorganic crystalline materials as radiation detectors. In addition to the technological and commercial values, inorganic crystals exhibit intrinsic, natural beauties stemming from their symmetry and optical properties. We are keen for a student with interest in visual arts who can take the research work and data and showcase it for the general audience.
8. Analysis and Modelling of Astrometric Measurements from Gaia, Data Release 2, PI: Dr. L. Widrow: https://www.physics.queensu.ca/facultysites/widrow/
   Gaia is a space telescope operated by the European Space Agency that is mapping the positions and velocities of over 1 billion stars in the Milky Way. The summer fellow will used Python-based tools to analyze data made public by ESA last summer with the aim of modelling the dynamics of the Galaxy’s stellar disk. The position may involve a mix of machine learning and numerical simulations.
9. Encorporating Dark Matter detector data into a Visitor Centre display with Dr. T. Noble: https://www.queensu.ca/physics/aj-noble
   The student will work with the data and materials of the PICO (https://www.snolab.ca/experiment/pico/)and other particle detectors to construct exhibit pieces for the McDonald Institute Visitor Centre (https://mcdonaldinstitute.ca/science-education-astroparticle-physics/visitor-centre/). The exact project will need to be defined once the restrictions due to Covid during the summer are known. If there is access to the lab, one option already quite advanced is to complete the PICO exhibit. For this project some of the hardware has been developed to take real data from the PICO dark matter detector and present the images on a replica detector. However, the complete assembly of the various components into a final exhibit has not been completed due to lack of access. Another option is to work with the new light detection technology, silicon photo-multipliers, where the student would learn about the technology and its response and incorporate the data and technology into a visitor centre display. One exciting idea is to design and create an exhibit that would use these SiPm to track muon cosmic rays through the space in the visitor centre. The student would also develop these resources to be applicable to the summer camp program.
10. Neutrons Mix & Match Game: Find the optimal combination of filters to create quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams in the 10 – 100 keV range. PI: Levente Balogh: https://me.queensu.ca/People/Balogh/
    The Arthur B. McDonald Institute is building a source of quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams at the proton accelerator of the Kingston-based Reactor Materials Testing Laboratory (RMTL). The primary goal is to perform quenching factor measurements on Dark Matter detectors necessary for their calibration. The neutrons produced by the 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction have a relatively wide energy spectrum which needs to be narrowed. Many materials, such as Fe, Mn, etc., act as neutron filters as they selectively transmit neutrons of particular energies; though, usually substantial transmission happens at multiple energies. Thus, to obtain a quasi-monoenergetic neutron beam, it is necessary to use a combination of filters and/or tune the proton beam energy to modify the pre-filtered neutron spectrum. The goal of the project is to find an optimal combination of filter materials and accelerator settings to produce neutrons with the desired energy while minimizing their energy-spread and maximizing their flux. The work will involve setting up and using simulations, and may include participation at experiments performed at RMTL’s proton accelerator facility.

BELOW IS A LIST OF PAST PROJECTS. THESE PROJECTS ARE NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR 2024, BUT GIVE AN IDEA OF THE NATURE OF PROJECTS THAT MAY BE ADDED UP TO JAN 12.

1. Searching for Composite Dark Matter Using Ancient Minerals, with Dr. J. Bramante and his research group: https://www.physics.queensu.ca/facultysites/bramante/
   Related Topics: Physics, Geology, Astronomy, Theory
   Dark matter may be a physically large state that leaves nanoscale-microscale damage in rocks. This project will investigate the detection of composite dark matter interactions in various minerals, using the software package SRIM that computes energy deposition in materials. Models of large and composite dark matter will also be investigated as part of this project, and you will be working alongside the Queen’s “Paleo” astroparticle detection group.
2. Modeling Dark Matter Propagation in the Earth, with Dr. C. Cappiello: https://mcdonaldinstitute.ca/chris-cappiello/
   Related Topics: Physics, Theory, Instrumentation
   
   One of the primary ways of searching for dark matter is direct detection, in which extremely sensitive detectors aim to measure the recoil of a nucleus or electron caused by a collision with dark matter. But if dark matter interacts too strongly, it can lose energy in the Earth’s crust or be scattered away through the atmosphere before ever reaching a detector. Modeling this attenuation properly using Monte Carlo simulations is computationally expensive, leading to the wide use of more approximate methods, such as the ballistic approximation, which assumes that dark matter particles travel along straight lines through the Earth and continuously lose energy. In one paper, the ballistic approximation has been shown to agree well with Monte Carlo methods for computing the sensitivity of a direct detection experiment, justifying its wide use. However, this agreement has never been shown more generally, and there is good reason to expect that it should not be a general result. 
   For this project, the student would compare the results of the ballistic approximation with those of a Monte Carlo code, for a variety of detector depths, exposures, and energy thresholds. They would examine the qualitative and quantitative differences in the event spectra seen in these detectors, and determine when the ballistic approximation works well and when it fails. In the course of the project, they would learn about dark matter direct detection, statistics and limit setting, Monte Carlo simulations, and high performance computing. Some programming experience would highly beneficial, though the amount of coding to be done would depend on the student’s programming skills and their interests.
3. Incorporating Dark Matter detector data into a Visitor Centre display, with Dr. T. Noble: https://www.queensu.ca/physics/aj-noble
   Related Topics: Physics, Education & Outreach, Engineering
   The student will work with the data and materials of the PICO (https://www.snolab.ca/experiment/pico/)and other particle detectors to construct exhibit pieces for the McDonald Institute Visitor Centre (https://mcdonaldinstitute.ca/science-education-astroparticle-physics/visitor-centre/). The exact project will need to be defined once the restrictions due to Covid during the summer are known. If there is access to the lab, one option already quite advanced is to complete the PICO exhibit. For this project some of the hardware has been developed to take real data from the PICO dark matter detector and present the images on a replica detector. However, the complete assembly of the various components into a final exhibit has not been completed due to lack of access. Another option is to work with the new light detection technology, silicon photo-multipliers, where the student would learn about the technology and its response and incorporate the data and technology into a visitor centre display. One exciting idea is to design and create an exhibit that would use these SiPm to track muon cosmic rays through the space in the visitor centre. The student would also develop these resources to be applicable to the summer camp program.
4. Pursuing inorganic crystalline materials as radiation detectors, with Dr. P. Wang: http://queensucmcg.ca/team/cmcg-advisor/
   Related Topics: Chemistry, Education & Outreach, Material Science
   The advancement of many new technologies is empowered by the availability of specific inorganic crystalline compounds. In the field of astroparticle physics, single crystal materials are extensively used as detectors to study the interactions between cosmic radiation and matters. Our research focuses on the discovery and development of inorganic crystalline materials as radiation detectors. In addition to the technological and commercial values, inorganic crystals exhibit intrinsic, natural beauties stemming from their symmetry and optical properties. We are keen for a student with interest in visual arts who can take the research work and data and showcase it for the general audience.

2024:

1. How Low Can We Go: Ultra-trace detection of Te, Se, Ge, and Mo using laser ablation triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, with Dr. M Leybourne:
   https://mcdonaldinstitute.ca/matthew-leybourne/
   Related Topics: geology & geophysics
   The student will work in the Queen’s Facility for Isotope Research in the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering. The goal of the research is to push detection limits of metalloids that are significant in ore deposit research, understanding the evolution of life on this planet and elsewhere, and in astroparticle physics. The work will involve ultra-trace detection of Te, Se, Ge, and Mo in glasses formed from cooling magmas in submarine volcanoes, by blasting the glasses with a laser and measuring the resultant liberated isotopes via mass spectrometry. The samples are from a volcanic arc system that runs between New Zealand to Tonga (the Kermadec-Tofua arc system) – these volcanoes host numerous magmatic-hydrothermal black smoker systems with chemosynthetic (rather than photosynthetic) life forms. There is really very little understanding as to how 128Te, 130Te, 82Se, 76Ge, and 100Mo vary in these rocks as a function of sediment contributions into the mantle via subduction of the oceanic crust. The student will learn state-of-the-art analytical techniques and work to publish the results in the peer-reviewed literature.
2. Let’s be real: adding imperfection to the detector simulation for HELIX, with Dr. N. Park:
   https://www.queensu.ca/physics/people-search/nahee-park
   Related Topics: Particle physics, Astronomy, Instrumentation
   A better understanding of propagation through our Galaxy is the key to understanding new features of the cosmic-ray flux (such as the unexpected excess of anti-matter) discovered by space-based experiments. HELIX is a long-duration balloon experiment designed to measure cosmic-ray isotopes to improve our understanding of the propagation of these particles. To achieve its scientific goals, HELIX needs to measure the trajectories and velocities of the particles very precisely. The summer student will add real-life imperfections, such as warped scintillator and aerogel surfaces, into the simulation model used to characterize the HELIX detector in order to evaluate the impact of realistic imperfections on the precision of the measurements.
3. The Sound of Silence: Hearing Dark Matter with the PICO Experiment, with D. S. Sekula:
   https://www.queensu.ca/physics/people-search/stephen-sekula
   Related Topics: Physics, Education & Outreach, Engineering
   The student will work at SNOLAB with the PICO dark matter bubble chamber experiment, including access to data and engagement with detector hardware. The goal is to use the audio and visual information to construct a viable outreach tool that can engage scientists and the general public using sound as the key exploratory medium. The PICO experiment employs a superheated liquid target with an adjustable threshold. When energy is deposited above the threshold, even by the slightest of interactions, a bubble forms. This bubble is captured using cameras, audio, and pressure-sensing hardware. It is established that a dark-matter-like interaction will sound different than a more common subatomic particle interaction, such as that caused by common alpha radiation. The student will explore the audio, learn to identify differences between kinds of interactions, learn to improve the audio experience, explore new ways of identifying and representing those interactions, and ultimately work to create a visually appealing explorer tool for the PICO data.
4. Exploring the world of metal surfaces and analysis of their protective organic coatings, with Dr. Cathleen Crudden, Scientific Director Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI):
   https://www.carbon-2-metal-institute.queensu.ca/
   Related topics: Chemistry, Material Science, Cancer research, Microelectronics, Education & Outreach
   From automobiles, to bridges, to airplanes, to green energy infrastructure, to electrical wiring, to cell phone circuitry and precision therapeutics it is difficult to imagine modern life devoid of metals. However, since most metals are unstable in oxygen rich environments, all metal infrastructure requires costly inspection, repair, and corrosion mitigation efforts. The aim of the C2MCI is to develop coating materials that will enhance the stability of metals used for transportation and energy infrastructure (macro theme), microelectronics technology (micro theme) and precision therapeutics for cancer diagnosis and treatment (nano theme). This position is suitable for a student with broad interest in pursuing graduate research across the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with graduate students in multiple labs to gain a broad perspective of laboratory procedures and analytical techniques related to our research themes.

Please indicate in your application which research project(s) (maximum of 2, ranked) you would like to pursue, and a small discussion of why it interests you. Note: projects are still being added until January 17th.

1. Star Formation and Dark Matter Profiles, with Dr. N. Arora & K. Spekkens:
   https://www.queensu.ca/physics/people-search/nikhil-arora
   Related Topics: Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science
   The interplay between gravitational and hydrodynamical processes in galaxies becomes apparent when galaxies are broadly grouped into two classes; star-forming (and mostly blue) and quiescent (or non-star forming and mostly red) objects. This population bimodality is readily evident in the plane of star formation rate (SFR) versus stellar mass, also known as the “Star Formation Main Sequence”. The SFMS can be cast in various forms: using global quantities, with the average SFR and M_* over the full galaxy, or spatially-resolved main sequence with the SFR and M_* as a function of radius from the centre. The scatter in both the global and spatial-resolved SFMS provides us with unique information about the physical processes that drive or hinder star formation in a galaxy. With zoom-in simulations, which probe spatial scales in correspondence with star formation sites within galaxies, I will try to constrain and isolate the physical processes that cause galaxies to scatter in the SFMS. Reproducing such the scatter within the SFMS in the central regions requires careful modelling of the coupling of BH feedback and star formation through a multi-phase ISM. With versatility of zoom-in simulations, I can build controlled experiments to study the coupling between star formation and black hole feedback and the resulting changes to the local and overall dark matter profile.
2. New Searches for High Mass Dark Matter, with PI: Dr. J. Bramante:
   https://www.physics.queensu.ca/facultysites/bramante/
   Related Topics: Physics, Geology, Astronomy, Theory
   Dark matter may be a heavy composite object. This high mass model space for dark matter has been less-explored, because it is harder to tackle, but theorists and experimentalists are increasingly making progress in developing new methods for discovering and modeling high mass dark matter. There are a number of projects available directed towards early universe models of heavy composite dark matter, determining heavy dark matter’s dynamics in our solar system, and developing novel strategies to detect high mass dark matter, including experimental projects suitable for scientists new to the field of dark matter.
3. Probing Galaxy Evolution with Star-Forming Galaxies, with Dr. K. Spekkens:
   
   https://www.queensu.ca/physics/people-search/kristine-spekkens
   Related Topics: Astronomy, Physics, Galaxies
   How do galaxies like the Milky Way evolve? Where and how do they get their gas? How is their dark matter distributed? What is the fate of the smallest galaxies in the universe? All of these outstanding astrophysical questions can be probed using observations of the star-forming gas in nearby galaxies. Your project will focus on one aspect within this broad theme in collaboration with grad students and postdocs in my research group, with the specific project tailored to your interests. Example projects include constraining the atomic gas content in the smallest and faintest known galaxies, searching new survey data for the ionised gas shreds of colliding galaxies, developing algorithms to measure the orbital velocities of the gas in Milky Way-like systems to measure dark matter, or working with cosmological simulations to constrain galaxy evolution physics. Join us for a summer! It will be fun!
4. Accessing carbene stabilized gold nanoclusters through a photochemically synthesized precursor, with Kevin Stamplecoskie and the Carbon to Metal Coatings Institute (C2MCI):
   https://stamplecoskiegroup.com/
   Related topics: Inorganic chemistry, Spectroscopy
   Gold nanoclusters have emerged as a promising candidate for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This is due to the unique molecule-like properties of clusters and the high biocompatibility of gold. A gold cluster’s properties are greatly influenced by its size, composition, and stabilizing ligand. This project aims to access a carbene-stabilized gold nanocluster through a ligand exchange reaction with a photochemically synthesized precursor. The successful applicant will gain valuable skills in inorganic synthesis, materials characterization, and scientific communication. Materials characterization techniques will include nuclear magnetic resonance, absorbance spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
5. Analysis and Modelling of Astrometric Measurements from Gaia, Data Release 3, with Dr. L. Widrow:
   https://www.physics.queensu.ca/facultysites/widrow/
   Related Topics: Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science
   Gaia is a space telescope operated by the European Space Agency that is mapping the positions and velocities of over 1 billion stars in the Milky Way. The Third Data Release, made public in 2022 has full phase space information for over 34 million stars, which improves on DR2 by a factor of 7. The summer fellow will used Python-based tools to analyze Gaia data with the aim of modelling the dynamics of the Galaxy’s stellar disk. The position may involve a mix of machine learning, numerical simulations, and theoretical astrophysics.

The deadline to apply is February 14th. Typically, students should apply through MyCareer and apply by reference position 150090. In your application materials, you must highlight which project(s) (up to 2 of those listed above, please rank your preference) you would like to work with and why, and highlight any teaching experience you have.

Students eligible for SWEP positions (ie., Queen’s students who be continuing in the fall) must apply through MyCareer as detailed above.