Abstract:
Four fifths of the matter in the universe is made of something completely different from the "ordinary matter" we know and love. I will explain why the dark matter is an unavoidable ingredient to explain the universe as we observe it, and I will describe what the fundamental, particle nature of the dark matter could possibly be. I will then give an overview of strategies to search for dark matter as a particle, describe a few examples of possible hints of discovery, and outline possible ways forward in this exciting hunt.
Brief Bio:
Dr. Stefano Profumo is a Professor of Physics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Deputy Director for Theory of the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics. Dr. Profumo earned his MS from Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, Italy, in 2001, and a PhD in Elementary Particles Theory from the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy, in 2004. He joined the faculty at the University of California in 2007 after two postdoctoral positions, one at Florida State University (2004-5) and one at the California Institute for Technology (2005-7).
Dr. Profumo’s research work spans particle physics theory, cosmology, and high-energy astrophysics. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles, many of which on the topic of particle dark matter; his research work has been cited more than 14,000 times, according to Google Scholar. He is the author of the textbook “An Introduction to Particle Dark Matter”.
Dr. Profumo is also an avid runner, biker, and triathlete.