In the context of the Summer Student Program organized by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world gathered to deepen their knowledge and skills in the field of physics experimentation.

Among the activities that brought the event to life, participants formed working groups and developed simulations of such important experiments as the NA64whose objective is the search for particles, specifically related to the formation of dark matter.

"My supervisor, Dr. Mikhail Kirsanov, played a pivotal role in our experience. He was in charge of guiding our work on the simulation of the NA64 experiment using Geant4 software. NA64 experiment, using Geant4 software. Under his guidance, we immersed ourselves in the development of scientific and technical challenges. Dr. Kirsanov's guidance and Dr. Kirsanov's guidance and support were essential in overcoming obstacles and advancing our project effectively," commented Marcelo.

Within the tasks assigned, they had to tackle complex problems and provide solutions to them in a short period of time: "Each challenge I faced led me to investigate, analyze and propose innovative solutions, which resulted in remarkable personal and professional growth. The satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and contributing to ongoing research was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience at CERN," he said of his activities. 

Additionally, the instance allowed him to establish collaborative ties with other students, scientists and engineers: "I learned to appreciate the unique perspectives that each team member brings and how together we can address complex challenges more effectively. This collaboration not only enriched my understanding of science, but also reinforces my belief in the power of the scientific community to collectively advance knowledge."

Impact and labor projection

These types of events are ideal for laying the groundwork for future contributions and allow young people to broaden their projection on a personal and professional level. "The experience at CERN left a deep impression on me and has definitely influencedmy future plans. influenced my future plans. While my participation in the Summer Student program program was time-bound, the impact and the learning I gained from this experience experience will live on in my approach to my career and my passion for physics," he says of his experience.

Marcelo is working on his thesis project, related to the simulation of an electromagnetic calorimeter (detectors that measure the energy of particles) for the NA64 experiment: "This project remains an integral part of my commitment to research and particle physics. In addition, I have been exploring opportunities to continue my education at the graduate level, with the goal of further expanding my knowledge and contribution to the field of physics," the thesis student mentions.

Finally, he emphasized his desire to return to the research center and indicated that his trip "has left a lasting imprint on my professional and academic career. Although my future plans may evolve, my commitment to scientific research and my desire to return to CERN to continue exploring and contributing remain fundamental aspects of my career."

We invite you to see other student experiences in our news section.