First Light

When I go to social events with non-scientists, I'm often asked what I do. It's gotten to the point that I'm almost too embarrassed to respond. If I say, "I'm a graduate student in particle accelerator physics," their reaction is almost always the same. Those three words are like kryptonite for the brain, and they shut down. "Oh wow, you must be really smart!" they say. "There's no way I could ever understand that." And I feel very self-conscious, because everyone at the table now thinks I must be some sort of genius when in reality I'm just an average graduate student. This reaction is so strong that when I try to further explain what I do, they will often remain in this "it must be over my head" state and not even listen when I say I mostly write "for" loops in Fortran.

There's a stigma that associates particle accelerators with people like Albert Einstein. Particle Physics is the new Rocket Science, the new occupation society uses to say someone is really smart. It used to be Far Side comics, and now it's Big Bang Theory-- an entire sitcom devoted to theoretical physicists being socially awkward and making Star Trek references. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge nerd, however I don't think we need Sheldon Cooper as our spokesman.

The thing is, people got over their fear of rocket science. You know how? Better PR. You find a science writer who can convey complex ideas in terms of what ordinary people understand (Carl Sagan), throw in some pretty pictures (thank you Hubble), and put a good spin on it, and people will often stop being so scared. The accelerator community has been trying for the past decade or so, but so far it's been difficult. I blame it on the lack of pretty pictures.

So that's the goal of this blog. For those who will have the patience to stay with me, I will try to explain what I find to be some of the most interesting and exciting areas of particle accelerator physics in ways the general public can appreciate. I'll even try to find some pretty pictures to help. It may be difficult at first to find the right balance, so feedback will be greatly appreciated. Feel free to introduce yourself, help me learn my audience, and let me know what you'd like to hear about.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the first real post!