The quest for dark matter, an elusive particle that constitutes a significant portion of the universe's matter, has captivated physicists worldwide. Among them is Jessica Fry, a remarkable fifth-year PhD candidate at MIT's Laboratory for Nuclear Science. Her journey, a fascinating blend of science and art, is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
Fry's story begins in the San Francisco Bay Area, where her early exposure to SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory sparked an interest in physics. But her path was not a straight line; she also pursued a deep passion for dance, competing nationally and even auditioning for Broadway. The decision to choose between these two passions was a pivotal moment, one that Fry reflects on with a sense of personal growth.
Parallel Pursuits and a Turning Point
Fry's double major in physics and theater at Stanford University reflects her commitment to both fields. The opportunity to audition for Broadway's "M. Butterfly" presented a choice: pursue her art or focus on her studies. The decision to prioritize her education and research led to a summer at CERN, where she discovered a scientific energy that resonated with her. This turning point, as Fry's advisor Lindley Winslow observes, shaped her approach to physics and life.
Hunting for Dark Matter
Now, Fry dedicates her time to unraveling the mysteries of dark matter. This invisible substance, which makes up the majority of the universe's matter, has confounded scientists for nearly a century. Fry's focus is on the axion, a theoretical particle that, if it exists, is ultralight and behaves like a coherent wave. Her work involves detecting the faint, oscillating electric current produced by axions in the presence of a strong magnetic field.
The Challenge and the Thrill
The search for axions is a challenging endeavor. Fry and her team must amplify the signal and tune their detectors across a range of frequencies, much like tuning a car radio. The signal is buried in noise, and the axion's mass and interaction strength remain unknown. However, Fry remains optimistic, citing the distinctive shape of the axion signal as a promising indicator. "It's a fun hunt," she says, highlighting the thrill of the scientific pursuit.
The Impact of Dance
Fry's background in dance continues to influence her work and life. She dances outside the lab, finding solace in physical movement after a long day of mental exertion. The discipline and storytelling skills she developed as a dancer have translated into her scientific work, where she strives for excellence and seeks feedback to improve.
A Bright Future
Fry's achievements have been recognized with a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Science list. As she completes her PhD, she is focused on finalizing the DMRadio detector and analyzing its data. Her future plans include postdoctoral positions and possibly her own lab group and detector. Fry's clarity of purpose is inspiring; she wants to ensure her work aligns with her passions and makes a meaningful impact.
A Conviction and a Legacy
Fry's conviction that dark matter will be discovered within her lifetime is a bold statement. Her dedication to her field and her refined detection approach position her as a key player in this scientific pursuit. As she continues her journey, Fry leaves us with a powerful reflection: "I realized that doing physics is going to make me happy and allow me to make the impact I want to." A reminder that following one's passions can lead to extraordinary achievements.
