The CERN Experience: Part 1
This is a two-part series featuring a brief entry by each Malaysian participant of the CERN Summer Student Programme 2018. In the first part, participants will chronicle their initial thoughts upon arrival; the second part will feature their thoughts upon completion of the eight-week programme at the prestigious European Organisation for Nuclear Research. Entries have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Yohashama Kumaran
Universiti Malaya (UM)
Receiving the invitation to the CERN Summer School Program (CSSP) was a joyous surprise. I couldn’t believe that I will have a chance to be at the most sophisticated scientific experiment in the world and to work with some of the best scientist. My project was part of a bigger picture known as the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) which will be built in the United States.
I would be mainly conducting characterization tests on Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) and front-end-board configuration of the cosmic ray tagger (CRT) under the supervision of Dr Umut Kose. The two weeks here has been an amazing experience, being able to see the particle accelerators and detectors.
In CERN, there is a very encouraging scientific community; people are willing to stop what they are doing to help and teach you. Food-wise, meals here are good but I already miss Malaysian fare. In terms of lodging, I opted for the most affordable hostel option; it is very comfortable and good facilities are provided.
By the end of the CSSP, I expect to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of particle physics, which will also help me decide to pursue a future in either theoretical or experimental physics.
