Sajid Raihan Akash

"I think, therefore I am." – René Descartes

Hi, I am Sajid Raihan Akash. I am originally from Bangladesh and currently a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, double majoring in Physics and Mathematics. My academic journey has been shaped by a deep passion for uncovering the mysteries of the universe.

From my freshman year, I became actively involved in physics research. I currently work with Dr. Ilya Kravchenko’s high-energy astroparticle physics group on neutrino detection. Neutrinos, often called “ghost particles,” are incredibly tiny, nearly massless particles that interact very weakly with matter. Despite being challenging to detect, they play a critical role in understanding cosmic events and the fundamental workings of the universe. Additionally, I have recently started collaborating with Dr. Herman Batelaan’s group, exploring foundational aspects of quantum mechanics.

Beyond research, I am passionate about teaching and mentoring. I began as a tutor in the Mathematics Resource Center, where I provided individual support to students struggling with various math concepts. Later, I worked as a Teaching Assistant for College Algebra. In Spring 2025, I will take on a new role as a Teaching Assistant for physics courses. Teaching brings me immense joy, as I love breaking down complex ideas and inspiring curiosity in others.

In addition to academics, I am a creative writer. I have published two novels in my native language Bengali, জীবন যখন যেখানে যেভাবে and মৃত্যুর এপারে, which explore the human condition through compelling narratives. Writing provides me with an avenue to express my creativity and connect with others. More about my writing in the “Personal” page.

Looking ahead, I aspire to become a theoretical physicist specializing in quantum gravity, contributing to our understanding of the universe’s most profound questions.

Research

High-Energy Astroparticle Physics

My research focuses on high-energy astroparticle physics, working under the guidance of Dr. Ilya Kravchenko at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Our group is dedicated to studying some of the most energetic particles in the universe—ultrahigh-energy neutrinos. These particles are produced in extreme astrophysical environments, such as supermassive black holes, active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts, and cosmic ray interactions, making their detection crucial for understanding the universe’s most energetic processes.

I am part of the Radio Neutrino Observatory in Greenland (RNO-G), an international collaboration focused on detecting neutrinos using radio waves produced when neutrinos interact with ice. RNO-G leverages state-of-the-art instrumentation to study these elusive particles. Neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” interact so weakly with matter that detecting them requires innovative techniques and highly sensitive equipment. My work involves analyzing data collected by the detector and refining calibration techniques to improve the precision of neutrino measurements. Specifically, I focus on leveraging data from the 2022 field season to enhance our understanding of detector performance and antenna positioning.

In addition to RNO-G, our group also contributes to the Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) located in Antarctica. Together, these experiments aim to open new windows into the high-energy universe, providing insight into particle interactions at energies far beyond what can be achieved in terrestrial laboratories. This work not only advances our understanding of cosmic events but also probes fundamental physics, such as neutrino properties and their role in shaping the universe.

Foundational Quantum Mechanics

In addition to my work in neutrino physics, I have recently joined Dr. Herman Batelaan’s group to explore foundational aspects of quantum mechanics. This research focuses on the spacetime topology associated with the Aharonov-Bohm effect. These studies delve into the intricate behavior of quantum systems, bridging experimental techniques with theoretical insights to deepen our understanding of quantum behavior and its implications for the nature of spacetime.