Jessica Fry, a fifth-year physics PhD candidate at MIT's Laboratory for Nuclear Science, is on a mission to uncover the elusive dark matter, a mysterious substance that constitutes nearly 85% of the universe's mass. Her journey is a testament to her passion for science and her unique approach to research, blending her expertise in physics with a background in dance and performance studies.
Fry's fascination with science began early, fueled by a high school project where she replicated a 1960s experiment using SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory equipment. This experience ignited her curiosity, allowing her to explore the interplay between time, space, and tangible scientific phenomena. Her interest in dance, which started at age three, also played a pivotal role in her life, shaping her understanding of storytelling and performance.
During her time at Stanford University, Fry double-majored in physics and theater and performance studies, demonstrating her commitment to both fields. She embarked on a challenging path, balancing her love for dance with the demands of a Broadway audition for David Henry Hwang's 'M. Butterfly.' This experience taught her the importance of self-belief and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on external opinions.
After a brief detour into professional dance, Fry returned to Stanford to complete her degrees. Her decision to pursue a PhD in physics was influenced by MIT's renowned Laboratory for Nuclear Science, which offered a vibrant scientific community and a collaborative research environment. Here, she found her niche in the search for dark matter, specifically focusing on the axion, a theoretical particle that could explain the gravitational pull of dark matter.
Fry's research involves two experiments: ABRACADABRA, operating at MIT, and DMRadio, being built at Stanford. These experiments aim to detect axions by searching for a faint, oscillating electric current in the presence of a strong magnetic field. The challenge lies in distinguishing this signal from noise, but Fry's expertise and the distinctive nature of the axion signal make her optimistic about her approach.
Her collaboration with Professor Lindley Winslow, a member of the Neutrino and Dark Matter Group, has been instrumental in her research. Winslow admires Fry's drive, feedback-seeking nature, and fearlessness in delivering results, qualities that reflect her own journey of balancing competing passions.
Despite her success, Fry remains focused on completing her PhD, driven by her passion for physics and the desire to make a meaningful impact. She believes that the discovery of dark matter is imminent and that her approach is among the most promising in the field. With her unique background and dedication, Fry is poised to make significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.
