Michelle Kwok

Name: Michelle Kwok

Home Institution: University of Notre Dame

Program: Research Experience for Undergraduates

Semester: Summer 2022

Mentors: Michelle Kelley & Nathan Sitaraman

Q&A

What is the research you are engaged in and what you have accomplished this summer?

I am researching the material used in superconductive radio frequency (SRF) cavities, which are used to accelerate particles in an accelerator. Specifically, I am studying the energy shifts in niobium defects in an attempt to explain the experimental data seen when probing materials used for the SRF cavities. To do this, I use density functional theory (DFT) in order to predict properties of the material. So far, I have been running those calculations on materials with known binding energies in order to calibrate it for when I calculate it for materials with unknown binding energies. By the end of the summer, I am hoping to be able to provide the experimentalists with results to figure out the unknown part in the materials and attempt to simulate properties of the various defects and oxides.

What are the impacts of your research for the general public?

There are a wide range of applications for superconductors. From an accelerator science perspective, particle accelerators are useful for many fields, including sciences, energy, water treatment, and even medicine and art history! Accelerators can be used to produce medical isotopes used for imaging and treatment and other heavy particles and the Louvre has a particle accelerator of its own. It is used to analyze the composition of painting and artifacts to better understand the history, timeframe, and how it was made. Especially beneficial for the general public are the improvements in the processes of water treatment and energy production that can come from better accelerators.

What did you enjoy most about this research/summer experience?

I've really enjoyed being able to completely focus on conducting research, as that is something I've not been able to do prior to now due to schoolwork and other jobs. I also enjoy working with my peers and mentors, and being a part of a research group where I got to see where everyone's smaller project fit into a larger project and the implications that has for physics as a whole.

What did you find the most challenging about this research?

One of the most difficult things is managing my own expectations with the research and feeling like I am not doing enough. While my mentors create benchmarks, I have a hard time gauging my process and how much I should have accomplished by a certain time. I've also had several problems that have impeded research, and that has been frustrating to work with.

How has this experience changed your view about being a researcher?

This has been a really great experience and it affirms my goal of going into academia. I've found that research is something I enjoy a lot, and I can see myself doing it long term even though it is difficult.

REU CLASS of 2022

Michelle Kwok

Name: Michelle Kwok

The Center for Bright Beams

REU CLASS of 2022

Michelle Kwok

Name: Michelle Kwok

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