My experimental work addresses deep open questions in physics such as the origin of matter and the physics of gravity. I'm particularly motivated by opportunities to develop detector technologies that can open new windows of discovery in particle astrophysics. 

I collaborate with the Q-Pix consortium to develop a novel 3D tracking readout system for rare-event detection in large-scale detectors. In particular, our goal for Q-Pix is to enhance the sensitivity of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) by providing true 3D tracking and millimeter spatial resolution in the "far detector." The DUNE far detector consists of multiple building-sized underground modules (each 18 x 19 x 66 m³ -- larger than the size of the E-Wing of our Science Center -- and filled with 10 kilotons of cryogenic liquid argon). Despite the enormous size, only a handful of neutrino interactions per day are expected. So the Q-Pix system will sit idle most of the time, but must respond efficiently and accurately when a rare event occurs. The challenge is significant, but the physics payoff is huge -- DUNE's science goals include understanding the physics of how neutrinos oscillate from one flavor to another and how they may play a role in the matter/anti-matter asymmetry in the Universe.

In addition to particle detection, I work with the APOLLO collaboration (Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation) on tests of gravity using the Lunar Laser Ranging technique. We transmit 100-picosecond-long pulses of green laser light from the Apache Point Observatory 3.5m telescope in New Mexico to the moon. This light reflects off of Apollo-era corner cubes on the lunar surface. With our accurate clock and single-photon detectors, we are able to determine the Earth-Moon range with millimeter precision (a part in 10¹² of the total distance). These measurements provide some of the most stringent empirical constraints on gravitational physics, including tests of the strong equivalence principle, the time-evolution of Newton's Constant G, the Newtonian 1/r² force law, and gravitomagnetism.

I teach courses across the physics curriculum, including PHYS 100 (Relativity and Quantum Physics), and Classical Mechanics (PHYS107 and 207). As an experimentalist, I enjoy guiding student exploration in PHYS 210 (Experimental Techniques) and PHYS 310 (Experimental Physics). I try to create learning spaces where students can practice and explore, stumble and rebound, grow and feel proud of their accomplishments. 

I find it hard to resist watching World Cup soccer games. I've done a rail slide on skis, but my wife kills me on bump runs. We have named our dogs after a candy bar and a delicious stout. I prefer crepes to pancakes, and used the batter to teach my kids algebra. I made a super-sized Jenga game for which hard-hats are recommended, and am always up for trying out a random DIY project from YouTube.