23 May 2024

Photo: Ana Andrade

Ana Rita Alves Andrade, originally from Portugal, graduated from RWTH Aachen in 2023. Her Master’s thesis focused on “Machine Learning for Model Unspecific Searches in CMS”. Currently, she is involved in di-Higgs searches at the Institute of Experimental Physics of Universität Hamburg, working under the supervision of Peter Schleper.

What is the topic of your research?

My work is searching for double Higgs production at the CMS experiment at LHC, focussing on measuring the Higgs self-coupling. In the Standard Model of particle physics, the Higgs boson is predicted to interact with itself, but this process has not yet been experimentally observed. I am searching for this interaction in processes where one Higgs particle decays into two bottom quarks and another into a tau-antitau pair.

What fascinates you about your research focus?

Theories that were developed decades ago are still very much being put to the test with today’s technology. Even though I was not yet born when the Higgs mechanism was first proposed, I still get to test it today with CMS data and possibly observe something new that no one else has. That’s amazing!

What do you like about the cluster Quantum Universe?

I enjoy all the extra activities going on in the Cluster, like the Quantum Universe Days. These make me feel like I am part of a larger community outside of my direct research group. I was able to meet more people (which is great if you are new to a city) and especially other women who work with CMS as well. It is also nice that Quantum Universe supports the non-academic aspects of a PhD like career development and soft skills.   

I am glad that the Cluster takes Early Career Researchers seriously and strives to support them as much as possible. I recently joined the PhD Student Council and became the student representative. This has allowed me to hear the issues that many PhD students face within the Cluster and advocate for them. This role has given me a sense of community and purpose during my time here in Hamburg. :) If any PhD student reading this interview is in need of help or just wants to reach out, please feel free to contact either me or the Student Council!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like painting and gardening.