Work in Physics this Summer! 

Title of Proposed Research Project: Theoretical Research in Quantum Materials
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Prof. Elisabeth Nicol
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

The successful candidate will calculate properties of quantum materials with an emphasis on optical response and tunnelling density of states. The materials of interest are materials known as Dirac materials (graphene is an example) and superconductors.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

The successful candidate must have taken at least one course in quantum mechanics at the third year level and have solid scientific computer programming and mathematical skills. Some exposure to ideas in solid state physics would be an asset but is not required. Calculations, programming, and plotting must be done carefully and presented neatly. High standards are expected. Guidance will be given, but it is important that the student is self-motivated and can work independently.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

The student will learn about the fascinating area of quantum materials and develop a strong appreciation for quantum physics while honing their skills in computers and mathematics.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? View definitions of common knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Title of Proposed Research Project: Physical characterization of modified PhytoSpherix nanoparticles
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: John Dutcher, Professor of Physics
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

The student will be directly involved in the characterization of the physical properties of chemically modified versions of highly branched, compact polysaccharide nanoparticles (PhytoSpherix). These modifications include partial digestion of the particles using dilute acids (to achieve smaller, less dense versions of the particles), and attachment of charged groups to the outer surface of the particles (to probe the effect of added charge). The Dutcher Lab uses a wide variety of techniques to characterize the structure, morphology, hydration and mechanical properties of the nanoparticles, and preliminary data indicates dramatic changes to the particle properties with these modifications. The student will become involved in the commissioning of a new, multicomponent light scattering instrument that allows the determination of the molar mass, radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius, molecular conformation, branching ratio, and intrinsic viscosity of polymers.

Dutcher Lab: https://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/dutcher-lab 

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

Tasks/responsibilities: The student will prepare dispersions of chemically modified PhytoSpherix, perform the light scattering experiments, and analyze the data. These data will be used together with data from other techniques to achieve an understanding of the changes in the physical properties of the nanoparticles due to chemical modification, which should lead to new applications of this natural, safe, sustainable nanotechnology. 

Preferred qualifications:

Second- or third-year student in physics or nanoscience.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

• The student will learn how to conduct sophisticated scientific experiments and analyze the data.
• The student will learn how to work within a team environment.
• The student will learn how to assess, prioritize and evaluate potential solutions to problems through consultation with co-workers and the supervisor.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? View definitions of common knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

1. Knowledge: Scientific
2. Skill: Critical and Analytical Thinking
3. Skill: Problem-Solving
4. Skill: Teamwork and Collaboration
5. Attitude: Initiative
    

Title of Proposed Research Project: Neutrino diffuse background
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Liliana Caballero, Assistant Professor
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

In this project we will study neutrinos emitted from neutron-star mergers and accretion disks. Particularly, mergers that have occurred at cosmological scales

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

Student will write a code from scratch to study neutrino fluxes. They will review literature and make a presentation at the end of the summer. Student will meet weekly with supervisor in one-to-one discussions and also will attend group meetings.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

Student will deepen knowledge on fluxes, neutron stars and their formation. They will improve their computing and programming skills.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position?

Title of Proposed Research Project: Interfacing and commissioning a large-area x-ray diffraction detector
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Stefan Kycia, Associate Professor
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

The student will work as part of our research team with the goal of introducing a large area detector to our x-ray diffraction system. The detector will be used for the characterization of novel materials such as nanomaterials, polymers, amorphous solids and epitaxial thin films. The student will learn the basics of experimental x-ray diffraction. There will be aspects of the project which will be the responsibility of the student, yet the tasks will also be divided and shared by several members of our team. In this way the student will have help from graduate students and supervisor. The student will also have the opportunity to learn and use 3D mechanical design and instrumentation development.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

The student will first learn some basics of x-ray diffraction. Then will use the diffractometer in its current configuration applied to solving structures relevant to our research group. The student will then work on understanding the operation and interfacing of the large area detector which is already acquired. The detector will need to be mechanically mounted. This will require a mechanical design to be prepared and submitted to the University of Guelph Machine shop. The detector is designed for a Bruker x-ray diffraction system. The student will help introduce the detector to work with our Huber diffractometer and Spec software. This is a high performance diffractometer and acquisition software used at many of the top synchrotrons around the world.  

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

X-ray Diffraction, Structure Determination, Computer Interfacing, Python Programming, Instrumentation Design 

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? View definitions of common knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Title of Proposed Research Project: Microscopic simulations of strongly interacting matter.
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Alexandros Gezerlis, Associate Professor
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

This project will study strongly interacting matter. Specifically, it will address scattering in few-nucleon systems or the phenomenon of superfluidity in systems such as neutron stars and cold atoms. Neutron stars are compact astrophysical objects which exhibit exotic properties. The approach used will likely be to pose an intuitive theory (density-functional theory, BCS theory, or quantum Monte Carlo), followed by an implementation stage. In consultation with the supervisor, the ramifications of the theory and its results will be mapped out. By focusing on a problem of manageable size, we intend to do realistic computations that can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. The student will therefore get a crash course on research in modern theoretical physics.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

The student will carry out a mixture of pen-and-paper (similar to what students encounter in coursework) & computational work (which is more novel). Previous exposure to programming would be beneficial but is not required. In addition to research, students will be attending weekly group meetings and will learn how to present their progress to their peers.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

• Basics of quantum many-body theory
• How to use a computer to solve a physics problem
• How to quantify uncertainty

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? View definitions of common knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

1. Knowledge: Scientific
2. Skill: Critical and Analytical Thinking
3. Skill: Problem-Solving
4. Attitude: Persisitence
5. Choose an item.
    

Title of Proposed Research Project: Infrared microscopy studies of accelerated ageing of cross-linked polyethylene pipe
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: John Dutcher, Professor of Physics
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

The student will be directly involved in infrared (IR) microscopy measurements on cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-a) pipe that will be used to characterize the effect of accelerated aging (elevated temperature, UV/ozone exposure, exposure to hot, chlorinated water) on the pipe properties. IR microscopy allows the local monitoring of molecular vibrations associated with the polyethylene and different additives that are included in the pipe formulations to improve pipe performance. Principal component analysis (PCA) and machine learning concepts, such as support vector machines and cluster analysis, will be applied to classify the different modes of degradation. It is expected that this work will lead to a new approach to evaluate new formulations of PEX-a pipe and the effects of accelerated aging.

This work will be done in collaboration with HeatLink, a Calgary-based company that manufactures crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-a) pipe for use in household and industrial plumbing and heating applications. The student will interact directly with HeatLink scientists and technologists.

Dutcher Lab: https://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/dutcher-lab; HeatLink: https://www.heatlink.com

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

Tasks/responsibilities: The student will prepare samples by slicing along the radial and axial directions of the extruded pipe to produce thin (100 micrometers thick) slices for use in the IR microscopy experiments. The student will perform IR microscopy on samples that have been subjected to accelerated aging (elevated temperature, UV/ozone exposure, exposure to hot, chlorinated water). The student will analyze the IR spectra and apply PCA and machine learning concepts to track the modes of pipe degradation.

Preferred qualifications:

Second- or third-year student in physics or nanoscience.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

• The student will learn how to conduct sophisticated scientific experiments and analyze the data.
• The student will learn how to work within a team environment.
• The student will learn how to assess, prioritize and evaluate potential solutions to problems through consultation with co-workers and the supervisor.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? View definitions of common knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

1. Knowledge: Scientific
2. Skill: Critical and Analytical Thinking
3. Skill: Problem-Solving
4. Skill: Teamwork and Collaboration
5. Attitude: Initiative
    

Title of Proposed Research Project: Theoretical Research in Quantum Materials
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Prof. Elisabeth Nicol
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

The successful candidate will calculate properties of quantum materials with an emphasis on optical response and tunnelling density of states. The materials of interest are materials known as Dirac materials (graphene is an example) and superconductors.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

The successful candidate must have taken at least one course in quantum mechanics at the third year level and have solid scientific computer programming and mathematical skills. Some exposure to ideas in solid state physics would be an asset but is not required. Calculations, programming, and plotting must be done carefully and presented neatly. High standards are expected. Guidance will be given, but it is important that the student is self-motivated and can work independently.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

The student will learn about the fascinating area of quantum materials and develop a strong appreciation for quantum physics while honing their skills in computers and mathematics.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? View definitions of common knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Title of Proposed Research Project: Interactions of alpha-synuclein with lipid membranes and their relation to the Parkinson’s Disease. 
Proposed Start Date: May 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Vlad Ladizhansky
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second-most common form of neurodegeneration. It mainly affects the elderly and is characterized by rigidity, resting muscle tremor and slowness of movement, as well as by neuropsychiatric symptoms occurring at a later stage of the disease. These symptoms are caused by progressive death of neurons located in parts of the brain involved in initiating and coordinating movement. The death of these neurons is preceded by the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates called Lewy bodies in the affected brain regions. A small neuronal protein called alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is the major constituent of Lewy bodies, and an overwhelming body of evidence supports the hypothesis that it plays a key role in PD pathogenesis. Small α-syn oligomers can disrupt cell membranes and are believed to represent the toxic species. α-syn is an intrinsically disordered protein and, depending on the environment, can adapt many different conformations. Under physiological conditions, it partitions between an unstructured monomeric soluble form and a lipid-bound partially alpha-helical form. Interactions of α-syn with cell and mitochondrial membranes have been reported to serve as nucleation sites, and as modulators of α-syn oligomer fibril formation or refolding of fibrils to the monomeric form. 

We use solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (SSNMR) to investigate how α-syn interacts with lipid membranes; we aim to relate these interactions to the promotion or in some cases, inhibition of the formation of the toxic fibrils. The main technical goal of this project is to determine SSNMR chemical shifts (frequencies) of individual atoms of α-syn subjected to interactions with lipid membranes. The chemical shifts will be used to analyse the conformational state of α-syn; they will serve as structural reporters that would allow to track conformational changes caused by interactions.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

Student will be responsible for NMR sample packing, data collection and processing, data analysis. 

Preferred qualification:

 

understanding of principles of protein structure, analytical skills, some programming experience, common sense. Knowledge of basic biochemistry is an asset. 

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

Biophysics of protein-lipid interactions; basics of solid-state NMR; processing NMR spectra; NMR data analysis

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position?

Title of Proposed Research Project: Analysis of data from the FIPPS gamma-ray spectrometer
Proposed Start Date: May 3, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Prof. Paul Garrett
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

The FIPPS spectrometer, located at the Institute Laue Langevin in Grenoble, France, detects gamma-rays following neutron capture reactions. We have performed a number of experiments using FIPPS, and the large quantities of data need to be analyzed. The first step in this process is sorting of the data using the powerful ROOT-based GRSISort software. Attention to data quality, data integrity and analysis checks are vital. 

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

The candidate will learn the details of using the ROOT analysis package, and the GRSISort software. They will be responsible for the sorting of some selected FIPPS data sets, checking the quality of the sorted data by performing a targeted analysis.  Knowledge of statistics, and some familiarity with C++ programming language would be beneficial. 

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

ROOT-based analysis, Programming in C++, gamma-ray spectroscopy, radiation detection

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? 

Title of Proposed Research Project: Study of Active Matter with Autonomous Bots.
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Mike Massa
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

Active Matter is composed of a collection of objects, each of which independently consumes stored or ambient energy and converts that energy into motion – typically propulsion.  This defining characteristic of active matter gives rise to unique mechanical properties and dynamical behaviour.  One of the many interesting properties of active objects is their tendency to associate together and move collectively.  There are many example of active matter systems in biology, including flocks of birds, bacterial biofilms and motor-proteins within cells.

To gain insight into these complex biological systems, this project will investigate collective behaviour in a group of artificial ‘bots’.  The bots convert vibrational energy from an internal motor into locomotion along a surface.  While an isolated individual may exhibit random motion, a collection of bots on a confined surface can exhibit coordinated motion.  This project will quantify this motion using object tracking image analysis.  
Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

Conducting experiments using a collection of bots; image acquisition & data analysis; The project may also include some bot hardware design modification, which may involve 3D printing and circuit design (wiring and soldering).  There will be some opportunity for the student to dictate the direction of the study, based on their results and interests.

Required Qualifications:  

Programming experience is necessary, preferably with software such as Matlab, Python or similar.  Successful completion of core second-year physics courses (PHYS*2180, 2310, 2240 and 2340) or equivalent, with demonstrated strength in lab skills.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

• Image analysis and tracking methods.
• Experimental design strategies.
• Strengthen computer programming skills.
• Learn about states of matter, active matter, and collective behaviour.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? 

1. Knowledge: Scientific
2. Knowledge: Digital and Technical
3. Skill: Critical and Analytical Thinking
4. Skill: Creativity and Innovation
5. Attitude: Persisitence
    

Title of Proposed Research Project: Python Coding and Undergraduate Physics Lab Development.
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Mike Massa, Martin Williams
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

This position will contribute to the on-going evaluation and development of computational content in the Undergraduate Physics curriculum, including the revision of existing and creation of new computation exercises for physics courses.  The position will also focus on the development of undergraduate laboratory content, including both hands-on and virtual lab elements.  Similar tasks for other ongoing projects are possible as well.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

Work with graduate student to organize, enter, and statistically analyse data that comes from a number of projects in Physics Education, primarily the use of Python code in first- and second-year courses and undergraduate laboratory experiments.

Required Qualifications:  

Successful completion of core second-year physics courses (PHYS*2180, 2310, 2240 and 2340) or equivalent; experience with computer programming preferred (Python strongly preferred); strong written communication skills.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

• Data organization, entry, and analysis.
• Use of Python programming language.
• Use of open-source analysis software such as R and R Studio.
• Application of programming to creation of lab content.
• Technical/written communication skills including potential contribution toward publication.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position?

1. Knowledge: Scientific
2. Knowledge: Digital and Technical
3. Knowledge: Mathematical
4. Skill: Critical and Analytical Thinking
5. Attitude: Persisitence
    

Title of Proposed Research Project: Closing the Gender Gap in High School Physics
Proposed Start Date: May 1, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Dr. Martin Williams, Associate Professor
Department: Department of Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

During the winter semester, we have conducted the first pilot of a high-school level intervention aimed at increasing female participation, enrolment, and retention in physics and engineering. This project will focus on analysing the data collected during the first pilot run and updating/improving the project as we prepare for a second and third run of the experiment during F22 and W23.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

While working on this project, the student will have the opportunity to :

• Design and create engaging physics and engineering activities with meaningful real-world applications
• Work with several different data collection tools including feedback surveys and focus groups to analyse the success of the intervention
• Coordinate logistics for the rollout of the intervention in the upcoming school year
• Help with student recruitment initiatives to increase the proportion of women in physics and engineering

Knowledge and experiences that might be required include the following:  

• Research and data collection 
• Organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
• Some experience with Physics, Engineering, or a similar STEM discipline
• An interest in teaching and learning or education
• Strong Analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills 
• Report writing 
• Familiarity with teleconferencing technology (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Zoom)  

In addition, the URA student should demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to learn quickly, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. 

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

During this URA Position, the student will have the opportunity to learn:

• Collect and analyse research data from the lens of an STEM based education researcher
• Learning how to write and summarize scientific results
• How to plan, organize, and run a scientific experiment outside a laboratory setting
• About the current research literature about physics education and the gender gap in physics

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position? 

1. Knowledge: Scientific
2. Skill: Critical and Analytical Thinking
3. Skill: Written Communication
4. Skill: Teamwork and Collaboration
5. Attitude: Adaptability
    

Title of Proposed Research Project: Physics of Music
Proposed Start Date: May 2, 2022 
Name and Title of Proposed Supervisor: Prof. Elisabeth Nicol
Department: Physics

Brief Outline of Proposed Research Project: 

The student will aid in the development of hands-on activities for students in the Physics of Music course and the creation of new in-class demonstrations. Improvements to the course materials will also be a priority.

Job description (task/responsibilities, relevant scheduling details, and required and/or preferred qualifications):

This position is most suitable for a student who has strong written and oral communication skills, some experience with undergraduate physics laboratory work, and an interest in music, wave phenomena, and acoustics. A background in music would be an asset. The student will be expected to build and design demonstrations and must be knowledgeable about computer applications such as Word and Powerpoint. Making video-recording of demonstrations might be another activity.

What are 2-5 specific things you feel a student will learn during this position? 

A student will learn to work independently, do neat and careful work, generate ideas, improve their communications skills, and learn about musical acoustics and other wave-related phenomena.

Which 2-5 knowledge, skills, or attitudes are most relevant to this position?