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Adryanna Major

Student
Physics

Overview


I am a PhD candidate conducting research in Dr. Kate Scholberg's experimental neutrino group. My work centers on measuring low-energy nuclear recoils in tonne-scale scintillating detectors. Specifically, I explore the viability of observing core-collapse supernova neutrinos in large-scale scintillators (e.g. noble liquids & organic liquid scintillator) via an interaction known as Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CEvNS). I also had the honor of leading the COHERENT collaboration's initial deployment of their tonne-scale sodium iodide detector (NaIvETe) at Oak Ridge National Lab (read about the project here).

The students I have taught as a department TA, a tutor, and through the summer Duke Pre-College program (check out that summer particle physics course) have symbiotically inspired my commitment to rigorous, delight-infused physics education.

Additionally, over the years in our Physics Graduate Student Organization, I have worn many hats in executive leadership and on committees. The charity, friendship, and wit of my peers has made time as a graduate student and leader exceptionally rewarding.

I am motivated by this universe's many questions and many wonders. The more I learn, however, the more I return astonished to this psalm (8:3-4): "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?"

Current Appointments & Affiliations