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Name: Adam Lanman

Degree: PhD Physics 

Advisor: Prof. Jonathan Pober​

 

Why did you decide to pursue a PhD program?

I like physics, and wanted to learn more.

What research did you work on?

Low-frequency radio astronomy, aiming to detect the distribution of neutral hydrogen when the first galaxies formed. My work focused on writing instrument simulation tools for radio interferometers, and using these tools to better understand the effects of observation on measured signals and foreground contaminants.

What are your plans next?

I'm going to McGill University to start a postdoc with the CHIME/FRB experiment. The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) is a radio interferometer built in British Columbia to map neutral hydrogen after reionization. It has also become a powerhouse for detecting Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), mysterious, bright pulses of radio emission coming from intergalactic distances. I will be helping to build outrigger antennas in Green Bank and at the Algonquin Radio Observatory that will improve CHIME's resolution, allowing us to pinpoint the origins of FRBs. I'll also try to learn some French.

Favorite Physics course? 

Probably Bob Pelcovitz's Quantum Mechanics course. That was the first time I actually felt somewhat comfortable with QM.

Favorite activity in Providence?

Seeing shows at the Performing Arts Center and Trinity Rep Theatre. Season passes to both are well worth it, though Brown students can get free tickets to Trinity.

Read more Class of 2020 Student Spotlights