Synopsis:
The field of high energy physics seeks to understand nature at its most fundamental level. What are the basic laws and particles that govern our universe and its evolution? To perform this science, large particle accelerators and detectors are constructed and large collaborations of scientists measure quantities that were once unimaginable. In this presentation, we will discuss the science that motivates these large experiments as well as the engineering and technology that are needed to make them happen.
Biography
Kevin T. Pitts is a high energy experimentalist who has made seminal contributions to the measurement and understanding of CP violation in bottom quark decays . He received a B.A. in physics and mathematics from Anderson University (1987) and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics from the University of Oregon (1989 and 1994, respectively). After working as a research associate at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in the Collider Detector Facility (CDF) experiments, Professor Pitts joined the faculty at the University of Illinois in 1999.
Professor Pitts is an engaging and gifted teacher. He has developed a number of unique courses and has been a leader in presenting science to the public. He is dedicated to undergraduate education, serving as Associate Head for Undergraduate Programs (2010-2014). Pitts currently serves as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering. He has been a leading voice in helping physics students identify career paths and is extremely active in the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics series, serving as Chair of the National Organizing Committee in 2015.
