Policy on Graduate Student Research and Thesis Supervision

General Statement on Graduate Research in HEP Theory

Obtaining a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics is not easy. Nor is getting a good postdoctoral position after graduation. Therefore, students should not embark on a thesis in high energy theory casually and without serious reflection. Success is far more likely if a student has the following:

  1. A strong background in quantum physics and mathematics
  2. Computer programming experience (yes, even for string theorists)
  3. Maturity and self-direction
  4. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in print
  5. Devotion to the goal of obtaining a postdoctoral position
  6. Ability to mount and sustain extreme efforts in learning and conducting research
I cannot overstate the importance of the last item. Industry and perseverance can often compensate for a deficiency in one or more of the other areas, but without hard work there is little chance that a student will meet his or her goals in the Ph.D. program. If you are working towards a Ph.D. in theoretical high energy physics and it doesn`t feel like the most arduous thing you ever undertook, you`re probably not working hard enough. Them`s the facts.

Current Research Opportunities

In the past few years I have been heavily focused on preparation for the new data era of the LHC. Thus recent students have specialized in the techniques of collider simulation and data analysis. Projects have generally, but not always, involved models which are motivated by recent progress in string phenomenology. In addition I have been interested in the interplay between LHC observables and dark matter detection in the context specific (supersymmetric models). All of this research requires frequent use of publicly available software written in FORTRAN and C/C++. While it is not necessary for a student to be a computer scientist, note that nearly all sub-fields in theoretical particle physics now use computer analysis on a frequent basis. There is no escaping it; the pencil-and-paper era ended in our field long ago.

Going forward I intend to continue research in these directions as opportunities arise. However, I am intending to shift the center-of-gravity more towards astro-particle physics, dark matter phenomenology and cosmology in the coming years. I am also interested in returning to string model-building. Students interested in this field absolutely must become strongly versed in supersymmetry and supergravity, as well as rudiments of string theory -- at least at the level of 10-dimensional supergravity effective theories.

Finally, I am currently developing a research program in computational algebraic geometry geared towards the construction and classification of Calabi-Yau threefolds and fourfolds for string and F-theory compactification. Students interested in this type of research must have already mastered basic commutative algebra and algebraic geometry, at least at the level of Cox, Little and O`Shea, and computational implementation at the level of Schenck.

Advanced Research Courses (a.k.a. ``Reading Courses``)

Given the topics above it should become clear that a student will not learn the necessary material solely in the coursework offered in the Northeastern graduate program. It is therefore absolutely necessary to get started in the first year of the program. Come talk to me and tell me what you might be interested in doing as soon as possible. You will be given some items to read and perhaps some exercises to perform. Do not wait to talk to me at the beginning of the second semester of your second year, when most students enroll in `Advanced Research`. I will tell you it is too late and turn you away. It is absolutely in your best interest to have at least a full year in which I can evaluate your efforts to see if you have the aptitude to earn a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics.

Most Recent Update: August 1, 2011