Tonner ter Veldhuis’ Research

Undergraduate students collaborate with Prof. Ter Veldhuis on his NSF-funded theoretical elementary particle research program. In general, the goal of these collaborative research projects is to devise methods to test extensions of the Standard Model using data of existing particle physics experiments, and to determine the discovery range of planned future experiments. In light of the recent discovery of the Higgs boson, the continuing operations of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and the rapid improvements of direct dark matter detectors, participating students have the opportunity to engage in exciting research at the frontier of fundamental physics. While working on the projects students develop some understanding of quantum field theory as it applies to particle physics. In addition, they become proficient in the use of automated tools to study potential experimental signatures of exotic particles, and they learn how to communicate research results to a variety of audiences.