Jeanne Garriz

Name: Jeanne Garriz

Home Institution: Louisiana State University

Program: Research Experience for Undergraduates

Semester: Summer 2020

Mentors: Luca Cultrera & Jai Kwan Bae

Q&A

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

This summer, I’ve been working with a Monte Carlo simulation software to model GaAs photoemission. I’ve been working to expand the capabilities of the software (which was originally created to model semiconductor materials) to include spin polarization in GaAs simulations.

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

Spin polarized electron beams are necessary for the future of particle accelerators facilities. Being able to simulate the production of these beams can mitigate the testing cost and allow for faster development of photocathode structures.

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

I really enjoyed the satisfaction of completing tasks that were difficult or complicated. The most satisfying feeling for me was when I plotted something from my simulation and it matched the model I’d been basing my calculations on.

What did you find the most challenging about this research?

The most challenging part of this research was trying to not get discouraged or anxious when the task I was completing took longer than expected, was more complicated than my mentors or I thought, or hit a roadblock.

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

This experience has taught me a lot about accelerator physics research and about the complexities of research in general. My area of research was just one tiny part of accelerator research, and most areas of research are very specialized like that. It’s taught me that even the most seemingly simple tasks can be extremely complicated.

REU Class of 2020

Jeanne Garriz

Name: Jeanne Garriz

The Center for Bright Beams

REU Class of 2020

Jeanne Garriz

Name: Jeanne Garriz

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