Margaret E. Shea
Duke Physics Department, 120 Science Dr., Box 90305, Durham NC 27708
margaret.shea@duke.edu
Education
Duke University, Durham, NC
Graduate Program in Physics, entered September 2011
Yale University, New Haven, CT
BS cum Laude, Physics with Honors, May 2008, GPA: 3.79
Honors
Duke Graduate School Summer Research Fellowship, Duke University Graduate School, (Summer 2012)
Selected for a Summer Research Fellowship to work with Professor Al T. Goshaw
University Scholar, Duke University Graduate School, (August 2011-Present)
Selected to the competitive University Scholars program, focusing on interdisciplinary communication.
Townes – Perkins-Elmer Fellowship, Duke University Physics Department, (2011)
Selected for this fellowship created by Nobel Laureate Charles Townes to recognize outstanding
graduate students.
Publications
S. Ask, M.A. Parker, T. Sandoval, M.E. Shea, and W.J. Stirling, Using γ + jets production to calibrate the
Standard Model Z( → ν ν) + jets background to new physics processes at the LHC, JHEP 10 (2011) 058 .
Presentations
Construction of a single atom trap for quantum information protocols, 47th Annual meeting of the APS
Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (DAMOP '16), Providence, RI, May 23-27 2016
A low-cost tunable laser lock for quantum information experiments, 46th Annual meeting of the APS
Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (DAMOP '15), Columbus, OH, June 10 2015
A low-cost tunable laser lock without laser frequency modulation, FIP Annual Symposium, Duke
University, March 9 2015
Remote entanglement of an atomic ensemble and a single ion, FIP Annual Symposium, Duke University,
March 11 2013
Using γ + Jets production to calibrate Z(→υυ) + Jets at the LHC, IPPP Topical Workshop on Vector Boson +
Jets as Background and Signal, Durham University, England, September 8 2010
Modeling the Roof of the CT Science Center: Dead Load and Modal Analysis using the Finite Element
Method, Yale University Senior Project Presentation, 5 May 2008
Trapping DNA with Dielectrophoresis, Presentation to Research Group of Huang Ru, Peking University, 5
December 2006
Research
Research Assistant, Professor Daniel J. Gauthier, Duke University (January 2013-Present)
Designing and building a single neutral atom trap for quantum computing applications. We will first
study non-destructive methods for quantum state detection.
Research, Professor Alfred T. Goshaw, Duke University, (January 2012-August 2012)
Working on electroweak physics at the LHC
Research, Professor W.J. Stirling, Cambridge University, (July 2010-July 2011)
Using Gambos, a Monte Carlo program, to calibrate Z→υυ using γ→υυ as background for SUSY
searches at the LHC
Independent Senior Research Project, Advisor Professor Jim Axley, Yale University, (2007-2008)
Used FEM techniques to model stress and strain behavior of a folded, cantilevered roof system
Produced a Report upon completion
Research for Credit, Yale-Beida Joint Research Center for Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, Peking
University, Beijing China (Fall 2006)
Worked with a graduate student to attempt to trap DNA using dielectrophoresis
Wrote journal-style article as final report
Professional Experience
Research Assistant, Duke University Graduate School (January 2013-Present)
Research in atomic physics for quantum information applications
Teaching Assistant, Duke University Graduate School (August 2012-December 2012)
Teaching assistant for introductory physics for physics majors. Helped implement a team based learning,
flipped classroom environment.
Teacher of Mathematics and Physics, Oundle School, Oundle, England (September 2010-August 2011)
Teach Mathematics and Physics to students ages 13-18, plan lessons
Have sole responsibility for six different classes, each with separate curricula
Organize Science Society, bringing eminent academic and industry scientists to speak to students
Continue with all responsibilities undertaken as Peter Ling Fellow
Peter Ling Fellow, Oundle School, Oundle, England (September 2008-August 2010)
Teach Physics and Mathematics to students ages 13-18, plan lessons
Have sole responsibility for four different classes, each with separate curricula
Organize and tutor students in SAT preparation and Oxford/Cambridge Physics preparation
Participate in boarding life and extracurricular trips as tutor, chaperone, and swimming coach
TOPS Teacher, Teaching Opportunities in the Physical Sciences Program, MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold
Atoms, Boston (Summer 2006)
Developed curricula, planned, and taught Physics lessons and labs to middle and high school students
Environmental Design Internship, Atelier Ten, New Haven, CT (Summer 2007)
Worked to organize LEED Certification for architects and modeled interior lighting systems
Leadership Experience
Graduate Mentor, University Scholars Program, Duke University (August 2012-May 2014)
Mentor and advise other University Scholars, plan and coordinate seminars and annual spring
symposium, assist Program Director in the work of the program
President, Duke Physics Graduate Student Organization, Duke University (August 2013-July 2014)
Set and administer the Graduate Student Events budget in collaboration with the chair of the department
and the departmental manager. Act as a liason between students and the department.
Secretary, Duke Physics Graduate Student Organization, Duke University (August 2012-July 2013)
Act as liason between graduate students, the administration, and faculty in the Duke University physics
department, discuss changes to curriculum, plan departmental events
Ombundsperson, Duke Physics Graduate Student Organization, Duke University (August 2012-Present)
Available to hear grievances from the student body in a confidential, professional setting
Trip Leader, Inaugural Oundle School Trip to CERN, Geneva, Switzerland (March 2010, March 2011)
Organize transportation and accommodation for 20 students from the UK, Malaysia, and Thailand to
visit Geneva and tour CERN
Coordinate with another local school to tour CERN together
Chaperone Oundle School Trip to AAAS Annual Meeting, Chicago, San Diego, Washington DC (February
2009, 2010, 2011)
Listen to wonderful science lectures on a variety of topics and discuss with students.
Co-President, Yale Undergraduate Society of Physics Students, Yale University (Spring 2007-Fall 2008)
Organized a lecture series for undergraduate students of the Physical Sciences
Volunteer Math and Science Tutor, CT Scholars Academy, New Haven, CT (September-May 2006)
Other Service/International Experience
Chaperone Oundle School Service Trip, Gilgil and the Mara, Kenya (October 2008, 2009, 2010)
Visited primary and secondary schools, practicing English and Math with the students
Investigated feasibility of implementing renewable energy in local communities
Participant in Yale Club of Beijing Book Donation Program, Henan, Inner Mongolia, and Yunnan, China
(October-December 2006)
Delivered English books to rural middle schools and helped the students practice English
Participant in Yale Reach Out, Philippines (May 2006)
Met with, learned from, and worked with a variety of sustainable development organizations
Volunteer in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA (March 2006)
Volunteer Swim Coach, Chapel Hill, NC (2002)
Skills
Computer: Mathematica, Python, AutoCad Inventor, Zemax, Basic C++, Basic Fortran
Other: Beginning Mandarin, Latin, NAUI SCUBA certification, First Aid certification, CPR