Splash Biography

OLIVIA BITTER, Budding Astroparticle/Neutrino Physicist

Major: Splash instructor

College/Employer: Northwestern University

Year of Graduation: G

Brief Biographical Sketch:

My name is Olivia and I am a raising 4th year PhD student at Northwestern University studying the theory of ninja-like subatomic particles called neutrinos. I also have a master’s degree in physics and astrophysics from the University of Chicago as well as a longtime association with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Outside of academia, I have been involved in mentorship, teaching, and public engagement, including teaching at Splash and Rainstorm. I am an active member of the broader particle physics community and in my spare time I like to compose music.

Past Classes

(Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S887: The Quantum Realm and our Universe: An introduction to the Standard Model and the elusive Neutrinos in Rainstorm Winter 2022 (Jan. 29 - 30, 2022)

Scientists have an innate curiosity to push the boundaries of their knowledge of the universe. What else would have led them to discover particles smaller than atoms, like protons and electrons? But why stop there? What if there were even smaller particles and what if these could help explain the great mysteries of the cosmos from the Big Bang to the present day? Well, that’s exactly what the field of particle physics studies. Welcome to the wacky world of subatomic quantum particles that is the subject of a vibrant and fast-growing area of physics research. This seminar seeks to introduce and illuminate exactly what this area of physics is and to further highlight the subatomic particles known as neutrinos which could answer many important questions in modern physics. An extension into the interdisciplinary nature of particle physics will also be discussed including how high school students can start to be involved in meaningful research in this field.