Dark matter, Gravitational lensing

Project Tags: 
Astrophysics
Time Critical: 
No
Research Project Description: 

Students and postdocs working with Kaplinghat are investigating a wide variety of phenomena in cosmology and particle physics. The key questions driving the research are the identity of dark matter and observational probes of the energy content of the Universe. The group uses a wide variety of tools and data analysis techniques in their investigations. Past research topics include early Universe physics (questions such as "how is dark matter produced?"), theoretical investigations of the pillars of modern cosmology (cosmic microwave background and big bang nucleosynthesis), late-time astrophysics (questions such as "what properties of dark matter particles impact galaxies and how?"), cosmology (questions such as "how well do we know the expansion history of the universe and its implications?") and astro-particle physics (mostly related to indirect searches for dark matter particles). 

Undergraduate Student Participation: 

Undergraduate students are welcome to join any of the ongoing research efforts. One example is gravitational lensing, which is a way to probe the distribution of dark matter in galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Another is using kinematics of stars in galaxies to understand the distribution of dark matter in the inner regions of dwarf (less massive) galaxies, the properties of which are important for both particle physics and astrophysics. 

Time Commitment: 

During the academic year, students working with Kaplinghat should expect to spend 5-10 hours per week. 

Minimum GPA: 
No strict requirement but the expectation is that the students are comfortable enough in their coursework to undertake significant research responsibility.
Paid: 
No
Contact Info: 

Manoj Kaplinghat, 2180 Frederick Reines Hall (building 401 on campus map)

*STARRED FIELDS ARE MANDATORY

How many hours per week will you be able to work on the project? Will you be available to work outside of the academic year (particularly during the Summer)?
List any lab and computer programming courses you have completed (with grades received) and for which you are currently enrolled.
Briefly describe any previous research experience (less than 300 words). If you have previously received course credit for student research, list those courses here (with grades received) and the name(s) of your supervisor(s).
Give a brief statement (less than 300 words) summarizing what qualities you will bring to the research program and explaining what you hope to achieve through your participation. (Is there something essential that you want to get out of the project? Paid position? Senior thesis? Co-author a journal publication?)
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