Shannon Hoogerheide (Fed)

Dr. Shannon Hoogerheide is a physicist in the Neutron Physics Group. Her research focuses on precision measurements of fundamental physics, including tests of the Standard Model of Particle Physics, using neutrons. In particular, she is a leader in an on-going experiment to measure the neutron lifetime, is co-spokesperson of the BL3 Neutron Lifetime collaboration, which is constructing a next-generation neutron lifetime apparatus, and is involved in an experiment to measure the spin rotation of polarized neutrons in a liquid helium target as well as a search for novel short range forces. Dr. Hoogerheide is involved in efforts to develop novel cryogenic sensors, Charged Particle Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors (CP-TKIDs), that have the potential to revolutionize next generation neutron beta decay experiments. Dr. Hoogerheide is also interested in using neutron interferometry to study fundamental physics and quantum materials and is involved in efforts to extend neutron interferometry to cryogenic samples.

Dr. Hoogerheide also works in the field of neutron standards and dosimetry. She performs calibrations of detectors in thermal neutron fields and leads the high-dose neutron irradiation program in the Californium Neutron Irradiation Facility. Applications include detector calibration, sample activation experiments, electronic damage studies, radiation effects on biological systems, with relevance across many areas. She is interested in expanding capabilities related to neutron generator use and calibration.

Dr. Hoogerheide received a B.S. in Physics from Calvin College and an A.M. and a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University, where she worked on measurements of the electron and positron magnetic moments. Prior to joining the Neutron Physics Group in 2015, Dr. Hoogerheide was a National Research Council (NRC) Postdoctoral Fellow in the Atomic Spectroscopy Group at NIST where she performed measurements on highly charged ions extracted from the Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT) and stored in a compact Penning trap. She also worked on design and construction of a first-generation miniature EBIT (mini-EBIT) using compact permanent magnets. Dr. Hoogerheide is a member of the American Physical Society (APS), has served on the Executive Committee of the APS Topical Group on Precision Measurements & Fundamental Constants, and has served on review panels for the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation including the National Science Foundation Committee of Visitors.