Benjamin Knepper Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Berkeley, Ca, Us

Collaborator on the novel quantum sensing experiment QuIPS (Quantum Invisible Particle Sensor), which will search for massive sterile neutrinos using optomechanically levitated nanospheres operating below the standard quantum limit. Various responsibilities include simulating weak nuclear decays in Geant4 and determining the optimal detector for secondary decay particles, such as CCD's (charge-coupled devices).

Member of N3AS, a theoretical multi-messenger astrophysics research collaboration across 11 institutions funded by the NSF. Working in astroparticle and dark matter phenomenology, deriving an analytical model for detection of primordial black hole dark matter via astroseismology and perturbations in stellar oscillations

Batavia, Illinois, Us

Participated in a 10-day intensive workshop on QIS theory and applications at Fermilab. Measured depolarization and dephasing times of qubits in SRF cavities and dilution fridges using resonator spectroscopy and Rabi oscillations.

Chicago, Il, Us

Continued research and development of BREAD (Broadband Reflector Experiment for Axion Detection) in search of the axion, a promising particle candidate for bosonic dark matter, in the mass range of [10^-3, 1]eV. Led experimental radio-frequency (RF) tests to calculate system noise temperature and conducted data analyses for the first dark photon search of GigaBREAD, the version of BREAD searching for GHz frequency dark matter particles.

Batavia, Il, Us

Research and development of BREAD (Broadband Reflector Experiment for Axion Detection) in search of the axion, a promising particle candidate for bosonic dark matter, in the mass range of [10^-3, 1]eV. Performed ray-tracing simulations of theoretical dark matter halo velocity distributions and designed an optical configuration to increase focusing of infrared axion-photon conversion in InfraBREAD sensitivity, maximally increasing efficiency by 55%.

Santiago, Metropolitana, Cl

Performed data analysis and modeled the transit photometry and radial velocity of a NASA TESS exoplanet candidate using Python at La Universidad de Aldofo Ibáñez. Also worked at El Sauce Observatory in the Atacama Desert, gaining observational astronomy experience.

Ithaca, New York, Us

Fabrication subteam member of the AguaClara Cornell project team, which designs and fabricates gravity-powered water filtration plants. Worked on the Hydraulic Ram Pump, which brings water from lower to higher elevations using only a spring system and gravitational energy. Alongside two other members, derived the fluid dynamic efficiency of the Ram Pump by calculating the theoretical optimal flow rate (taking into account the frictional head loss and conversions between spring displacement and water velocity). Also wrote an EPA grant proposal, and presented work in a final lab report and symposium presentation.

Arlington, Va, Us

Collaborated with a team of three to design, integrate, and prototype a functioning satellite solar array power system in the Wire Harness Engineering division, gaining professional experience in solar photovoltaics and electrical engineering. Additionally condensed and rewrote an instructional software manual for Capital Logic-Mentor Graphics (a circuit design CAD program) for all new hires. Presented all work in a cumulative poster session for the entire Boeing company.

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Selected out of 350 applicants to work in EMD (Environmental Monitoring Division) at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, testing wastewater quality in three professional laboratories—Process Control, Microbiology, and Semi-Volatile Organic Chemistry. Collaborated with lab technicians to calculate BOD, test for fecal indicator bacteria through chromogenic substrates, extract hazardous organic chemicals through GC/MS, and observe a Constituent of Emerging Concern (CEC) study. Also collected water samples along Santa Monica Bay, created an informational poster for wastewater sample sites, and wrote for the internship newsletter.

Physics, Philosophy Double Major; Mathematics Minor

Physics, Philosophy, Mathematics Triple Major

High School Diploma