Particle Physics Simulation & Detector Modeling

This research explores how subatomic particles interact with matter—long before a detector is ever built. Using Monte Carlo techniques, Geant4 simulations, and large-scale computing, I modeled detector geometries, material responses, and data flows for high-energy physics experiments.

Simulation as a Scientific Instrument

At the Mignerey Group at the University of Maryland, my work focused on using simulation as a first-class scientific tool. Rather than treating software as a black box, I designed and engineered detector models from geometry up—materials, volumes, physics lists, and readout logic—then validated them against analytical expectations and experimental constraints.

**Detector Geometry Modeling** Constructed detailed Geant4 geometries representing calorimeter volumes, support structures, and material interfaces.

**Monte Carlo Particle Transport** Simulated particle interactions, energy deposition, and secondary production using Geant4 physics processes.

**Statistical Analysis & Validation** Generated ROOT histograms and statistical summaries to compare simulated distributions against theoretical predictions.

High-Performance Computing & Scale

Realistic detector studies demand scale. Simulations were optimized for performance and executed across Linux-based high-performance computing environments using HTCondor. Parallel job execution enabled parameter sweeps, sensitivity studies, and large Monte Carlo sample generation.

**Distributed Simulation Workflows** Large-scale batch execution on Condor-managed clusters for efficient Monte Carlo production.

**Performance Optimization** Reduced processing time through algorithm design, geometry tuning, and parallel execution strategies.

Project Code

The simulation framework and supporting analysis code developed for this work are available as an open repository. The project includes detector geometry definitions, Geant4 simulation components, and supporting analysis utilities.

Zero Degree Calorimeter Simulation

github.com/john-wells-ai1/zdc

Geant4 • C++ • Monte Carlo Simulation • Detector Modeling

Public Research Output

Geant4 Simulations of the Zero Degree Calorimeter Reaction Plane Detector
University of Maryland Undergraduate Research Day, April 2015
Authors: John Wells, Christopher Ferraioli

**Research poster we presented at the conference** Research poster is still in the hallway I think..

CMS Zero Degree Calorimeter Technical Design Report
Contribution to data analysis and presentation
Author: Alice Mignerey et al.

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