Decoding Dark Energy: Exploring the Expanding Universe

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Emma Yao ('27) researched dark energy and supernovae at the Department of Physics & Astronomy under the mentorship of Dr. Mathew Madhavacheril and PhD Candidate Jason (Jaemyoung) Lee. She completed this research with support from the University Scholars program.

Growing up, my grandma would take me stargazing, kick-starting my interest in outer space. Then, thanks to some excellent science teachers in high school, I knew coming into college that I wanted to receive a formal physics education. I had the opportunity to engage in formal physics research for the first time in Summer 2024, where I conducted a mentor-supported research project. This represented a full-circle moment for me as I combined my academic interest in quantitative physics concepts with a childhood fascination with pretty things in the night sky. 

With the support of my mentors, I spent my summer uncovering the mystery of dark energy and the universe’s expansion with the help of exploding stars—also known as Type Ia supernovae. These supernovae serve as “standard candles,” providing consistent luminosity and allowing astronomers to measure cosmic distances accurately. Using a Pantheon+ dataset to run simulations based on cosmological models, I aimed to find refined measurements of cosmological constants that characterize properties of the universe. My mentors and I corroborated previous values of the Hubble constant and matter density and also noticed a few interesting discrepancies between the models.

I honed several critical skills throughout my research experience. The most significant was time management. Balancing the demands of data analysis, running complex simulations, and preparing for presentations required a disciplined approach to effectively allocating my work throughout the day. I learned to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that I met deadlines without compromising the quality of my work. Communication was another essential skill I developed, especially when translating complex scientific concepts into understandable terms on my poster for CURF’s Fall Research Expo. This skill was also particularly important when discussing findings with my mentor and peers at our weekly group meetings, ensuring clarity and precision.

My relationship with my mentor, Prof. Mathew Madhavacheril, was instrumental in my research journey. Prof. Madhavacheril encouraged me to explore my ideas while offering expert advice to steer me in the right direction. This dynamic helped me grow not only as a researcher but also as a critical thinker. Mat urged me to ask every question that popped into my mind, a habit I will take into classrooms, office spaces, and beyond. I also worked closely with one of Prof. Madhavacheril’s graduate students, Jason (Jaemyoung) Lee, who specializes in supernovae analysis. Jason provided invaluable knowledge in my project and sustained my motivation for my physics journey.

This summer research process reminded me of my passion for cosmology and the mysteries of the universe. There is something thrilling about tackling intimidating, complicated questions to which nobody knows the answers. The potential to be the first to uncover a discovery is a motivation unlike any other. My research experience this summer has solidified my desire to pursue a career in astrophysics and cosmology. I will bring the skills and insights I have developed into my future academic endeavors.

Above: Emma Yao (right), with mentors Jason (Jaemyoung) Lee (center) and Prof. Mathew Madhavacheril (left).

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