PHD at Charles University in Prague
Rob White is a Postdoctoral Researcher at INFN Sezione di Torino, specializing in the development and characterisation of LGAD sensors. He completed his Ph.D. in Particle Physics at the University of Bristol, focusing on Dark Matter and BSM Physics, and worked on statistical and ML techniques in DQM. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at Bristol and earned his M.Phys. in Physics from the University of Manchester. His research includes characterizing FBK EXFLU1 sensors and addressing radiation effects. White has contributed to notable publications on dark matter and Higgs boson decays, reflecting his expertise in advanced particle physics.
Professional Profiles
Strengths for the Award
Cutting-Edge Research: Rob White has been involved in advanced research areas, such as the development and characterization of LGAD (Low Gain Avalanche Diode) sensors, which are critical in particle physics experiments. His work on thin sensors with gain in high fluence environments demonstrates a strong focus on innovation and problem-solving in the face of technical challenges, such as radiation damage.
Diverse Research Experience: White’s research spans multiple areas, including Dark Matter, Beyond Standard Model (BSM) Physics, and the application of Statistical and Machine Learning techniques in Data Quality Monitoring (DQM). This breadth indicates versatility and a strong foundation in both experimental and computational physics.
Collaborative Work: White has contributed to significant collaborative projects, as evidenced by his involvement with the CMS Collaboration at CERN. His contributions to papers on topics like Dark Sector searches and Higgs boson decays highlight his active participation in high-impact research with global significance.
Publications: Despite being early in his career, White has already authored or contributed to several publications, including in respected journals and preprints. This early productivity is a strong indicator of his potential for ongoing contributions to the field.
Educational Background: White’s educational trajectory, with a First-Class Honours degree in Physics and a Ph.D. from reputable institutions, provides a solid academic foundation. His work during his Ph.D. and postdoctoral positions further underscores his expertise in particle physics.
Areas for Improvement
Independent Research: While White’s collaborative work is impressive, showcasing more independent research projects or leading authorship on publications would strengthen his profile. Demonstrating leadership in research projects is often a key criterion for awards like this.
Broadening Impact: White could work on expanding the broader impacts of his research. For instance, engaging in outreach activities, mentoring students, or applying his research to interdisciplinary fields could enhance his profile as a well-rounded researcher.
Longer-Term Contributions: As he is still early in his postdoctoral career, White may benefit from establishing a clearer long-term research agenda. Having a defined research direction or vision that goes beyond his current projects would help position him as a leader in his field.
Education
INFN Sezione di Torino, Torino, IT Postdoctoral Researcher Sept 2023–present Research Areas: Development and characterisation of innovative LGAD sensors University of Bristol, Bristol, UK Postdoctoral Researcher Jun 2023–Sept 2023 Research Areas: Statistical ML techniques for automated DQM and legacy Dark Matter analysis University of Bristol, Bristol, UK Ph.D., Particle Physics 2019–2023 Research Areas: Dark Matter, BSM Physics, Statistical and ML techniques in DQM University of Manchester, Manchester, UK M.Phys. Physics, First Class Hons 2015–2019 Research Areas: Top quark spin correlation with the ATLAS detector, Top Physics in future collider detectors
Publications
Search for dark QCD with emerging jets in proton-proton collisions at \( \sqrt{s} \) = 13 TeV, Publication date: 2024.
Measurement of the production cross section of a Higgs boson with large transverse momentum in its decays to a pair of τ leptons in proton-proton collisions, Publication date: 2024.
Multiplicity and transverse momentum dependence of charge-balance functions in pPb and PbPb collisions at LHC energies, Publication date: 2024.
Constraints on anomalous Higgs boson couplings from its production and decay using the WW channel in proton–proton collisions at \sqrt{s} = 13~\text {TeV}, Publication date: 2024.
Search for long-lived particles decaying in the CMS muon detectors in proton-proton collisions at √𝑠=13 TeV, Publication date: 2024.
Conclusion
Rob White is a promising candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, especially given his early achievements in high-impact areas of particle physics. His work on LGAD sensors, involvement in cutting-edge dark matter research, and contributions to significant collaborations like CMS make him a strong contender. However, to further solidify his candidacy, he might focus on developing more independent research initiatives, broadening the impact of his work, and establishing a clear long-term research vision. Overall, White demonstrates great potential for continued excellence and leadership in the field of particle physics.