Ian M. Lewis

With the discovery of the Higgs boson, the Standard Model of Particle Physics is complete. This has been a highly successful theory, agreeing with all collider data so far collected. However, there are many unexplained phenomena: the nature of dark matter and dark energy, the origin of the matter/anti-matter asymmetry of the Universe, the origin of neutrino masses, etc. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland, is quickly accumulating data at the energy frontier and may yet discover new physics that sheds light on some of these issues. Theoretical high energy physics is vital to giving the foundation with which to understand and interpret the LHC data.

I am actively pursuing research as it pertains to searches for new physics at the LHC. To accomplish this, I am engaged in three major prongs of research: proposing novel methods to search for new physics, understanding new physics effects in precision measurements of the Standard Model, and performing precision calculations of Standard Model processes. The novel search methods help guarantee that we do not miss any new physics discoveries in rare or unusual channels. By understanding how new physics can appear in precision measurements of Standard Model processes, we help determine if there are any new effects lurking in the structure of the Standard Model. Finally, precision predictions of Standard Model processes are needed to establish if an anomaly is truly new physics or unknown Standard Model effects.

This is an exciting time to be particle physicist. There are many experiments searching for new, beyond the Standard Model physics in a variety of ways. At the energy frontier, the LHC is furthering our understanding of the fundamental physics of the Universe. Theoretical particle physics research allows us to take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to discover new, beyond the Standard Model physics.