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Talitha joined academic advisor advisor Dr Simon Peeters to work on a world-leading experiment - looking for evidence of dark matter.
The project
is a world-leading experiment that looks for direct evidence of Dark Matter in the Universe by trying to detect the interaction with its 3600 kg liquid Argon target. DEAP-3600 is currently under construction in SNOLAB, located 2km underground in a Canadian nickel mine.
Students could choose to do laboratory-based work on an optical calibration system for the photomultiplier tubes, or a software based project analysing data and determining the best way to search for dark matter.
Talitha's work
Talitha spent her summer research placements working on the DEAP-3000 dark matter detector.
She carried out both theoretical and experimental work.
Talitha said: "The research project came about from my other research placements, and from that I applied for research funding from the Junior Research Associate Scheme.
"Being embedded in an active research group is a fantastic way to experience what real physics research is like. It is super inspiring to see the physics you've been learning about in action and have the chance to explore advanced concepts and techniques. If you love experimenting, the Research Placement course is an incredible opportunity."
Talitha created a poster about her research for the Junior Research Associates Scheme which was entered into a University competition. She won first place and a panel of MPs, journalists and education experts chose Talitha’s research project as the ‘most outstanding’ on display at a prestigious Posters in Parliament event in Westminster.
Talitha went on to study a PhD at Oxford University. She added: "The JRA and research placement programme definitely made me more interested in research and convinced me it was something I would enjoy pursuing after my degree.
“I also think it gave me a huge advantage going into PhD interviews, because I already had lots of practical research experience to draw on.
“Sussex's commitment to undergraduate research is fantastic and the physics department is really friendly and incredibly supportive.”
"Being embedded in an active research group is a fantastic way to experience what real physics research is like. It is super inspiring to see the physics you've been learning about in action."
Talitha Bromwich
Physics (research placement) MPhys