Faculty Mentor of the Week Renee Fatemi
Dr. Renee Fatemi is a Professor of Physics and Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Fatemi's research interests include nuclear physics with a focus on accelerator based nuclear and particle physics. She is currently a member of the STAR Collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the new g-2 collaboration at Fermi National Laboratory.
In the past year Dr. Fatemi has mentored two graduate students and one undergraduate student and explains, "During my thirteen years at the University of Kentucky I have mentored eight undergraduate students. My research is typically computing intensive and it takes some time for students to gain access to the experimental framework and to build the necessary toolkit to make progress in their research. Because of this I typically work with a student for several semesters and often over the summer, as well." Dr. Fatemi's work in nuclear and particle physics means her experiments take place at large national facilities, such as Brookhaven National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Since none of the 17 national labs in our country are located in Kentucky, she has the opportunity to introduce students to the national labs. Dr. Fatemi explains, "Thanks to support from the National Science Foundation, I am able to join experiments that are being run at these facilities, which means the students in my group are able to immerse themselves in the rich technical and scientific environment that is unique to national labs."
Dr. Renee Fatemi enjoys her role as a mentor and is making a difference as noted by one of her mentees, "For three semesters, I have worked with Dr. Fatemi as collaborator on the Muon g-2 Experiment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Without a doubt, being afforded this opportunity has not only shaped the trajectory of my undergraduate career, but that of my graduate and professional careers as well. Dr. Fatemi has been a mentor in every sense of the word. When I started work with Dr. Fatemi, I knew virtually nothing about the theory or computational methods essential to the work. But through her guidance, she has helped me develop a repertoire of technical skills that I will continue to use in my future projects as a physicist."
For undergraduates interested in nuclear physics research, Dr. Fatemi believes that having some background in programming is helpful, "The language or type of application isn't as important as the experience of programming, but equally important is the ability to communicate." Dr. Fatemi also appreciates students who have a passion and dedication to solving a problem. For those interested in pursing undergraduate research, Dr. Fatemi encourages students to reach out early and often as all research experience is valuable. "Take a look at the research summaries provided by the professors in your department. If you are interested in a project, write the PI and inquire about opportunities in their research program," she adds, "If you don't hear back, or there isn't an opening with that group, then move to the next one. It is important to explore and learn from each experience and then use that experience to formulate your path forward in your research career."
Thank you Dr. Renee Fatemi for your unwavering support of undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize your dedication this week as our Research Faculty Mentor of the Week.