happens when two dark matter particles find each other. The light observed from these dark matter interactions can tell us about the dark matter characteristics. Rufino works on investigating the light originating from possible dark matter interactions from dwarf galaxies. He enjoys the research because it allows him to explore new ideas that have the potential to change much of what we know about physics. He became interested in physics as a kid by watching pop-science movies, science cartoons, and superhero movies “I’d watch Jimmy Neutron, Neutron, Dexter’s Laboratory,, Spiderman Laboratory Spiderman,, and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,, with Neil deGrasse Tyson,” Rufino said. Odyssey “I have to give Neil deGrasse Tyson all the credit for my passion for physics. After the first or second episode, I was convinced physics was what I wanted to study, especially astronomy. Of course, now I’m more passionate about discovering new physics.” His favorite professors in the department have been Dr. Tugdual LeBohec, Dr. Charlie Jui, and Dr. Pearl Sandick. He enjoys the way Dr. LeBohec incorporates history into a lecture before getting into
physics. Dr. Jui empathizes with students in their struggles to master complex concepts. He remembers the late nights, the constant stress, and, sometimes, the nightmares that physics students experience. Dr. Jui’s ability to connect with students made Rufino feel at ease in taking his class. Dr. Sandick has been the most influential person in Rufino’s life and academic career. “She is a person I strive to become, and I’m very grateful to have her as my research advisor,” he said. “The number of research opportunities that are available in the department is amazing and critical to development as a student or researcher. Even if you decide not to pursue graduate school, you will be a stronger candidate in the job market after completing a physics degree at the U.” After five years of intense focus, Rufino plans to take a gap year between graduation and graduate school. He wants to spend more time with the people he cares about and explore hobbies, such as working with leather goods, building mechanical keyboards, and running marathons. After his gap year, he will begin graduate studies at Syracuse University.
Astronomer Juna Kollmeier gave guest lecture at Frontiers of Science event On March 22, Juna Kollmeier, the Director at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), was on campus and a guest of the Department of Physics & Astronomy. As part of the College of Science’s Frontiers of Science lecture series, Dr. Kollmeier presented on “Mapping the Cosmos,” concerning the current efforts of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) in mapping over six million objects, from stars, to black holes, to galaxies. In addition to her appointment at CITA, Professor Kollmeier served as the Founding Director of Continued on page 21
Juna Kollmeier
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