About Me
A brief introduction my journey as a aspiring physicist.
Who Am I?
Castaly Fan
I am currently a Physics PhD candidate specializing in high-energy experimental physics, with a focus on neutrino physics and searches for physics beyond the Standard Model.
My primary research involves the SBND (Short-Baseline Near Detector) experiment at Fermilab, where I develop and apply machine-learning-based algorithms — in particular the SPINE (Scalable Particle Imaging with Neural Embeddings) framework developed by SLAC — to achieve high-precision 3D reconstruction of particle trajectories in liquid argon time-projection chambers.
Beyond my core work in neutrino experiments, I maintain strong interests in cosmology, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies at the interface of fundamental physics and computation.
Since childhood, I have aspired to make meaningful contributions to human civilization and the future of our species — and today, each step in this scientific journey feels like steady progress toward realizing that dream.
Education & Honors
Overview of my academic background and recognitions.
Education
University of Florida
Ph.D. Candidate, Physics
Focusing on high-energy experimental neutrino physics and beyond Standard Model searches.
Rutgers University
B.S., Physics (Minor: Astronomy)
Graduated with Departmental Honors in Physics (Sep 2021).
Honors & Awards
Key recognitions during my academic career.
URA Visiting Scholar Program Award
Universities Research Association
- Project: University of Florida SBND ν_e Cross Section Analysis and PDS Calibration Effort.
- Granted $4,945 to support research at Fermilab. Upcoming on-site work is planned for Spring 2026.
URA Visiting Scholar Program Award
Universities Research Association
- Project: University of Florida SBND PDS and Machine Learning Effort.
- Granted $8,000 to support research at Fermilab. LED calibration device for PMT timing calibration at SBND was installed and done with the first test successfully.
IHEPA Fellowship
Institute of High Energy Physics and Astrophysics, University of Florida
- Received $15,000+ to facilitate research at Fermilab in Summer 2024.
Research & Professional Experience
University of Florida
Research Assistant• PhD Research
Mentor: Dr. Heather Ray
Core member of the UF Neutrino Group working on the Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) at Fermilab.
- 1. Analyzing electron neutrino selection efficiency
- 2. Performing Bethe-Bloch simulation and energy reconstruction
- 3. Utilizing SPINE (ML-based particle imaging framework developed by SLAC)
- 4. Establishing LED calibration system for SBND PMT calibration
University of Florida
Research Assistant• Summer Research
Mentor: Dr. Neil Sullivan
Experimental condensed matter physics project on single-molecule magnets.
- 1. Detected magnetoelectric effects in single-molecule magnets
- 2. Designed and optimized a Tunnel Diode Oscillator (TDO) detector
- 3. Achieved ultra-high frequency stability (~216 MHz, std dev ~300 Hz) in superfluid helium environment
Aresty Research Center
Undergraduate Research Assistant• Undergraduate Research
Mentor: Dr. Larry Zamick
Theoretical nuclear physics – quantum mechanics with matrices.
- 1. Developed new quantum number for symmetric patterns in wavefunctions
- 2. Studied odd-even staggering in strong coupling regime (11×11 pentadiagonal matrix)
- 3. Calculated electromagnetic transition rates using symbolic computation
Research Skills & Expertise
Core competencies in theoretical physics, experimental methods, and computational tools supporting high-energy and neutrino research.
Theoretical Backgrounds
Core concepts in high-energy physics, gravity, and the early universe
Experimental & Computational Expertise
Data analysis, simulation, and ML-driven reconstruction in worldwide experiments
Programming & Productivity Tools
Development environment, documentation, and scientific communication