How did you decide to apply for the summer student programme?

I first found out about it at University, more than a year ago while searching for Physics Summer Programs. I was in second year then and didn’t know much about Particle Physics. However, I had heard and read about the LHC experiments and was looking forward to learning more about the subject. When I applied to the CERN Summer Program I still hadn’t started my course on Nuclear and Particle Physics which subsequently turned into one of my favourites. 

What is your previous background? 

I'm studying physics, so was up to date with some of the scientific research at CERN. I hadn't visited CERN before and I now realize how little I knew about all that's going on here.

Tell us a few words about your project.

The aim of my project is to use Multivariate Regression in order to improve the photon and electron energy resolution in the CMS ECal. This is important because it makes it easier to separate weak signals from the background and I hope that Multivariate Techniques (together with other upgrades of the CMS) will lead to new physics discoveries in the near future.

Is your experience so far close to what you were expecting?

The CERN experience far exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the summer student lectures (I never thought I'd learn so much about such a broad range of subjects in only six weeks), had a lot of fun with my project, visited ATLAS and the CMS (mind-blowing!) as well as some other cool places in CERN (and the list could go on). Not only have I learned a lot, but also met wonderful people who made this experience unique.

Would you like to spend more time at CERN continuing with your research? 

I'm mainly interested in theoretical physics and in particular particle physics and I'd love to come back spending some more time on my reesearch. However, I think I'll only be able to decide what area of research I want to go into after I will have finished my degree. 

Did you have time to visit/travel outside CERN? 

Most weekends we went on day-trips to places in Switzerland and France such as Annecy, Lausanne and Zurich. Of course, we also spent some time in Geneva, chilling by the lake, watching outdoor movies in Parc Perle du Lac or enjoying Swiss National Day Celebrations.

From my time as a summer student at CERN I will certainly remember...

The great physics, the fun times with my friends and ...vamos fuego! :)