MIT: Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy

Zach Hartwig received his B.A. summa cum laude in physics from Boston University in 2005 where he worked in experimental particle physics, focusing on high-precision measurements of muon properties. He developed a Monte Carlo particle transport simulation that is used to guide the Muon g-2 Experiment at Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory. He also participated in experimental work on the MuLAN experiment at the Paul Sherrer Institute in Switzerland. He received his Ph.D. in nuclear science and engineering at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center at MIT in 2013. His research focused on the development of an in-situ, accelerator-based diagnostic on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak to investigate the interactions of magnetically confined plasma and the plasma-facing materials that compose the first wall. He has been responsible for the development of a comprehensive Monte Carlo particle transport synthetic diagnostic, as well as the design and assembly of the experiment's data acquisition system, custom particle detectors, and engineering interface to the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. Other areas of research at MIT have involved the application of Monte Carlo particle transport simulations to aid the design of scientific experiments and engineering systems, including superconducting magnets for cyclotrons and fusion devices, fusion reactor concepts, and advanced particle detectors for homeland security and dark matter research.