Junior Peña, neutrino hunter
Junior Peña, a physicist, grew up in South Central Los Angeles with a passion for physics that led him to MIT for grad school. He is now part of Project 8, a collaboration working to measure the mass of neutrinos, elusive particles crucial to understanding cosmic evolution. Peña's innovative work involves designing technology to precisely measure neutrinos using a novel detection method called cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy. His contributions are considered essential to the project's success and could have profound implications for our understanding of the universe's structure and fundamental matter. Peña aims to continue his impact in physics and academia by inspiring future students from underrepresented backgrounds.
MIT Technology Review•