Rostislav Konoplich pictured discussing the profound impact of particle physics on science. LAILI SHAHRESTANI/ THE QUADRANGLE
Maddie Rosado, Contributor
On Sept. 24, the physics and mathematics department sponsored a seminar led by Rostislav Konoplich, Ph.D., where he spoke to students and several faculty members about the important discoveries he had made while working at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Switzerland.
Konoplich’s research interests lie in high-energy particle physics and astrophysics, with a current focus on exploring new physics beyond the Standard Model of elementary particles and measuring quantum entanglement in Higgs boson processes at the LHC. Additionally, each summer, he collaborates with undergraduate students on research projects at the LHC.
Urvashi Arora, Ph.D., assistant professor in mathematics, served as the introducer for the event. Arora spoke with The Quadrangle about how mathematics and physics intertwine to make discoveries such as the one presented at the event.
“Physics often pushes math in new directions, while math gives physics fresh tools,” Arora said. “It turns the massive raw data from collisions into patterns we can understand. It lets us test predictions and reveal discoveries.”
Arora went on to voice that it is okay to feel overwhelmed by these new and complex discoveries. She encouraged students to embrace curiosity and persistence in the face of uncertainty.
“These talks are about curiosity and the big questions – what the universe is made of, and how we explore it,” Arora said. “You don’t need to follow every detail, just being open to the ideas can be inspiring.”
Following Arora’s introduction, Konoplich began his presentation by outlining the scope of his research and the significance of his recent discoveries at the LHC.
“Here, you can see a small ring, which is the LHC,” Konoplich said. “And this would be the new ring – about 100 kilometers around. It would run beneath Lake Geneva and extend close to the mountains.”
Konoplich also spoke about the unique opportunities available to undergraduate students at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), emphasizing how rare such experiences are in the field of particle physics. He explained that students have the chance to engage in a variety of work, whether experimental, simulation-based or theoretical.
“I ask students what they would like to do at CERN, because some prefer experimental work, while some prefer simulation or theoretical work,” Konoplich said. “But either way, I’d like to highlight undergraduate work at CERN – it’s very rare. Usually, at CERN, we deal with graduate students, but all our students here are undergraduates and I’ve never heard any complaints.”
Jack Simoni, a senior physics major, was one of the undergraduate researchers at CERN. He shared his perspective on the experience, reflecting on how working alongside leading scientists including Koonoplich has shaped his academic and professional goals.
“It is incredibly humbling and exciting,” Simoni said. “I feel very lucky to be able to contribute to such a large collaboration like CERN, filled with so many talented and intelligent people. It made me learn that science is as much about the big discoveries made by individuals as it is about the small discoveries that all build towards something larger, like my research at CERN.”
Simoni reflected on the profound impacts of his time at CERN and Konoplich’s mentorship. This experience has inspired him to pursue higher goals within his education.
“Thanks to Dr. Konoplich’s mentorship and support as well as my research experience at CERN these past few years, I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in particle physics,” Simoni said. “I was initially hesitant going into higher education prior to my research experience, but the freedom it allows has significantly grown on me.”
Sharing a similar sense of inspiration, Lucie Swartvagher, a freshman physics major, attended the event to explore new ideas and discoveries in the field. Her curiosity and enthusiasm reflect the lasting impact Konoplich’s research can have on students as they begin shaping their academic and career paths.
“I think it would be incredible to get the opportunity to work on a project like the ones we saw today,” Swartvagher said. “I haven’t fully decided what path within physics I want to follow yet. I am really interested in astrophysics, but particle physics and quantum physics also excite me a lot.”