Ariel Matalon

Biography

I am currently in my third year of undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, majoring in physics with a specialization in astrophysics. I was a member of UChicago’s SPS chapter during my first year, was elected president my second year, and will continue to serve until graduating. During my time leading, I’ve greatly increased the activity of my chapter. I’ve coordinated many events including weekly research lectures, trips to national labs, scientific film screenings, a “Physics Phormal”, and breakfasts with visiting distinguished speakers such as Nobel laureates. Leading my SPS chapter and providing various opportunities to its members has been incredibly fulfilling.

I am also involved in physics research. During my undergraduate, I have been part of an astroparticle physics group at the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, focusing on the development of a fluorescence detector of cosmic rays. I have also spent a summer working on experimental astrophysics/astronomy with the Dark Energy Survey group at Argonne National Laboratory. This summer I will be joining a particle physics group in Italy to work on the detector upgrade of LHCb. I intend to apply to PhD programs this fall. It is my goal to become a professor in order to combine my love of physics research and teaching.