MISTI Italy interns researching physics at Universita di Pisa

I worked on seismic isolation of VIRGO --a large Michelson interferometer designed to detect the gravitational waves predicted by general relativity. I . mainly did experimental/data analysis/CS to determine the best force to isolate the system at the physics department in the University of Pisa. This definitely changed my life for the better and I feel like I have a better understanding of how systems work. Europe is so fascinating and I feel like I can take some of the things I learned to better me. 

Medha Venkatapathy, class of 2027, physics and computer science & engineering major. Interned at the Physics department at Universita di Pisa. 

My project was on the inference of Hubble's constant via the statistical dark siren method, where I made use of gravitational wave event data, galaxy catalogs and Bayesian statistics to obtain estimates of Hubble's constant. I developed a complete pipeline to do the inference and am using it to forecast the implications of this method applied to next-generation interferometers. It made me realise I really enjoy research and made me more likely to pursue grad school. I also realised I am more independent and brave than I thought I was, and I love to seek out new experiences and adventures.

Lily Sun, class of 2027. Interned at University of Pisa, Department of Physics Theory Group.

I was hosted by the  Astronomy and Astrophysics group . My project was determining star formation rates in the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds through the use of Gaia DR3 (a survey), specifically examining massive stars in the helium burning star phase. This has been my most memorable summer. I got to experience the wonders of science, culture, and history that most Americans would not have the opportunity to. This has given me a new perspective about how life can be lived.

David Zhang, class of 2027, physics and computer science & engineering major with a math minor. Interned at the Astronomy and Astrophysics department at University of Pisa.