FAQ

 

  • As distinct from ‘particle physics’, accelerator physics is the subject which describes the behaviour of particle beams and their complex interactions. In a practical sense, accelerators use many different areas of physics and engineering. It’s a fascinating area to work in, with great career pathways in large labs, commercial industry and academia.

    Interested in joining the field? If you’re still at school my advice is to study as many sciences as you can and include as much mathematics as you can as well. But remember that a well-rounded education is important so please don’t sacrifice your love of history, literature or art, the world needs a range of backgrounds, skills and approaches.

    If you’re already at University and studying physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or something similar there is most likely a potential role for you in this field.

    There are a range of internship opportunities in accelerator physics at labs and Universities around the world for undergraduate students, including:

    University of Melbourne ‘Laby Scholars’ scheme

    Oxford Particle Physics Summer Internship

    Fermilab (USA) Helen Edwards Internship Programme

    CERN Summer Student Programme

     

    You could also attend one of the main Accelerator Schools:

    CERN Accelerator School https://cas.web.cern.ch

    US Particle Accelerator School http://uspas.fnal.gov

    Joint Universities Accelerator School (JUAS) 

  • PhD positions available in my group are always advertised publicly, see RESEARCH for more info.

    For MSc, you’d need to apply to the MSc in Physics at the University of Melbourne, and contact me as a potential supervisor.

  • There aren’t many popular science books about accelerators, which was part of my motivation for writing The Matter of Everything which features many of them, and allowed me to sneak in some accelerator physics ideas! There are plenty of books about particle physics: some of my recommended authors are Ian Sample and Harry Cliff. If you’re really keen, a good overview book about accelerators is Engines of Discovery by Ted Wilson and Andy Sessler, which has something for the expert as well as the lay reader.

  • It’s great that you’re interested in what I do! Unfortunately I am very limited in the amount of work experience opportunity I can offer personally, but members of my group might be able to host you.

    Many physics workplaces have the ability to take work experience students so if you’re interested in working with particle accelerators and are UK-based I recommend you apply to either Oxford Physics or STFC for work experience, or in Australia to ANSTO or the University of Melbourne.

  • I wish there were more women in my field and I am active in trying to raise the profile of women in physics, including by re-claiming their stories in the history of physics in my teaching and writing.

    I am aware of the need for role models and I believe the best way I can provide one is to be the best scientist I can be, while being open about what it’s like to be an actual human being who does science. I stay updated on the literature and research around diversity and STEM for this reason.