Marie Boër, an assistant professor of physics at Virginia Tech’s College of Science, has been recognized for her significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics with the prestigious 2024 Early Career Research Award by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). This accolade includes substantial funding amounting to $875,000 over five years, aimed at propelling Boër’s groundbreaking research into the lesser-understood domain of partons, the fundamental constituents of protons and neutrons. Through this support, she aims to deepen our understanding of these elementary particles and how they affect the overall structure of matter.
The U.S. Department of Energy initiated the Early Career Research Program in 2010, with the objective of fostering a robust scientific workforce by promoting the work of exemplary researchers like Boër. These awards are particularly crucial for supporting scientists at the beginning stages of their careers, times when they often are able to produce their most impactful findings. Boër’s innovative research not only contributes to the advancement of nuclear physics but also aligns with the broader goals of strengthening America’s role as a global leader in science and technological innovation.
Nuclear physics traditionally centers around the atom’s nucleus—where protons and neutrons exist—whereas Boër’s focus lies in hadronic physics. This field investigates the composition and behavior of composite particles such as quarks and gluons, which are essential in the formation of protons and neutrons. By studying these partons, Boër aspires to gain a more profound insight into the characteristics of these elementary building blocks of matter, thereby expanding our knowledge of the universe.
Echoing the curiosity that first compelled her as a child, Boër’s quest in the realm of hadronic physics mirrors a fundamental human desire: to seek out the layers of knowledge hidden beneath the surface. Her initial fascination was ignited by a comment from a biochemist during her youth, which inspired her to explore the unseen elements of the world around her. This curiosity evolved over time, driving her to where she is now—a dedicated physicist striving to unravel the complexities of matter and its constituents.
While the investigation of quarks dates back to their discovery in the 1960s, and gluons followed in the 1970s, the theoretical landscape surrounding these particles is still sparse. Boër’s grant-winning research venture, "Multi-channel Access to Generalized Parton Distributions," promises to break new ground by launching dedicated experiments at the Jefferson Lab, a key facility in nuclear physics research. This project seeks to analyze data that bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental observations regarding parton behavior.
Boër’s objective is to produce a three-dimensional representation, or tomography, of the distributions of quarks and gluons. Just as a medical imaging process like MRI can provide detailed insight into human anatomy by compiling horizontal slices, Boër’s innovative approach would aggregate multiple slices of data at varying momentum thresholds to create a comprehensive picture of parton behavior within protons. This endeavor is expected to yield observations of unprecedented clarity regarding the relationships between a parton’s momentum and its spatial distribution throughout a nucleon.
Furthermore, one of the unique aspects of Boër’s methodology is its intent to develop a muon detector. Current techniques for exploring parton distributions excel at providing valuable information but fail to capture certain critical data needed to form a complete 3D model. The introduction of muon production reactions into her research paradigm could illuminate the obscured details essential for understanding the connections among quarks, gluons, and the nucleons they form.
The international landscape of hadronic physics needs expansion, and Boër’s project is poised to make a significant contribution to this effort. Collaborations with international groups, particularly in Armenia and France, facilitate a global exchange of knowledge and expertise necessary to burgeon the field. This approach introduces students and scholars from diverse backgrounds into the mix, with postdoctoral researchers hailing from nations such as India and Turkey, along with graduate and undergraduate students from across the globe.
Boër’s multidisciplinary research initiative not only opens doors for advanced scientific inquiry but also encourages the growth of international relations in the scientific community. Her hope is that these collaborations will forge lasting pathways for student exchanges and joint endeavors in research, extending the reach and applicability of hadronic physics to regions that have historically been less involved in this domain.
As Boër embarks on her endeavor, she recognizes that navigating uncharted scientific territory carries inherent challenges alongside the excitement of potential discoveries. Still, her commitment to unraveling the mysteries of matter spurred her initial passion for physics, continually propelling her forward. This Early Career Research Award amplifies her credibility and provides a platform for her innovative thoughts to shine on a grander stage.
In conclusion, Marie Boër’s recognition as an Early Career Research Award recipient not only validates her prior achievements, but it sets the stage for monumental advancements in our understanding of partons and the structure of matter itself. This expanding window of opportunity has the potential to inspire future generations of physicists and reinforce the importance of fostering curiosity and inquiry into the minute details that form the very fabric of our universe.
As Boër’s journey unfolds, physicists and science enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate the findings and insights from her groundbreaking research. Each discovery will not just be a step forward in hadronic physics, but a larger leap toward understanding the fundamental constituents of the universe and their interrelationships, enriching the narrative of physics in ways phenomenally impactful and deeply transformative.
Subject of Research: Hadronic Physics and Parton Distributions
Article Title: Marie Boër Receives 2024 Early Career Research Award for Groundbreaking Work in Hadronic Physics
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: Virginia Tech College of Science, Early Career Research Program, Jefferson Lab
References: None
Image Credits: Photo by Liz McNeil for Virginia Tech
Keywords
Hadronic Physics, Particle Physics, Quarks, Gluons, Nuclear Physics, Generalized Parton Distributions, 3D Imaging, International Collaboration, Early Career Research, Virginia Tech, Science Innovation, Fundamental Research
