Dr. Joshua L. Barrow

Dr. Joshua Barrow is jointly appointed for postdocs between Tel Aviv University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is based primarily at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Illinois. Dr. Barrow’s nuclear and particle physics research focusses on measuring neutrino interactions at the MicroBooNE experiment, an operational detector directly contributing to the future goals of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), an international project under construction and led by Fermilab. When completed, DUNE will measure neutrino oscillation properties to unprecedented precision and provide new insights into the currently unexplained matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe.

Neutrinos are subatomic particles similar to electrons, but, unlike electrons, neutrinos interact very weakly and neutrino beams span a wide energy range. Neutrinos can oscillate (transform) from one type to another as a function of their flight distance and initial energy. Because of these unusual properties, neutrinos are more difficult to measure and control than electrons. Dr. Barrow also participates in experiments using easier-to-control electrons, measuring interactions with nuclei of elements such as argon (the primary component of DUNE detectors). Comparisons between this data and modern nuclear theories permit their consistent incorporation into precise simulations of neutrino interactions with argon nuclei. His research here too is expected to enable more precise measurements using DUNE’s future neutrino detectors which will intrinsically rely on such simulations.

Dr. Barrow’s extensive experience at Fermilab began while he worked on his PhD at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research there was also geared towards DUNE, centering on simulations for neutron-antineutron oscillations, a hypothetical process which could have generated the matter-antimatter asymmetry.

Dr. Barrow has an established record as a mentor and advisor, and he has taken on leadership roles within the Snowmass 2021 Particle Physics Community Planning Process. He maintains leadership roles within several Snowmass Early Career Core Initiative groups, supporting and representing young scientists in high energy physics, as well as within the Rare Processes and Neutrino Frontiers.