Experiencing the world’s largest physics laboratory

Ángel Alarii Hidalgo was one of 36 young people selected from around the world to be part of a student camp at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). 

The PrepaTec Cumbres student participated in the CERN-Solvay Student Camps education program, for which he was selected from a group of more than 2,000 applicants from all over the world.

CERN, located on the border between Switzerland and France, is considered the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, and its main objective is to discover what the universe is made of and how it works.

“The selection process was very demanding: it included questionnaires, letters of recommendation, and a personal video explaining why we wanted to be there.

“I’d dreamed of being at CERN for years, because I’d always thought it was the best place for science,” he remarked.

During his participation, from April 16 to 25, he attended lectures and workshops given by scientists, mathematicians, and professors specializing in topics such as particle accelerators, electromagnetism, energy consumption, and subatomic physics.

“We also did some experiments, such as creating a cloud chamber, which is basically a homemade detector that allows us to observe the behavior of particles,” he explained.

As Alarii is a member of PrepaTec Cumbres robotics team Overture, he traveled directly to Houston after returning from the camp in Switzerland to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship.

Visiting the world’s leading particle accelerator

One of the first tours undertaken at the camp was to the synchrocyclotron, the first particle accelerator built by CERN after the Second World War and a key piece of European scientific history.

“The researchers shared how this project helped bring together international scientific talent and laid the groundwork for later discoveries in particle physics,” he said.

They also visited A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS (ATLAS), one of the most important detectors for the world’s largest particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

“I’d dreamed of being at CERN for years, because I’d always thought it was the best place for science.”

The ATLAS detector is fundamental in analyzing the collisions generated within the LHC and for studying subatomic particles.

“We were told that the accelerator stays on for ten months at a time, because it costs more to turn it off and cool it down again than to keep it running,” he mentioned.

They visited the Antimatter Laboratory, a space dedicated to decelerating particles in order to analyze them in a controlled manner.

“We learned how they can move particles and confine them so they can study them individually,” he shared.

“I believe that my experience with the robotics team was key to my successful CERN selection process.”

An experience that redefined his future 

Before the trip, Alarii was convinced he would study Robotics and Systems Engineering; however, this experience opened up new professional possibilities for him.

“I thought I’d come back with answers, but I ended up with more questions,” he confessed.

Now, areas such as data science, information analysis, and materials engineering also form part of his academic interests.

He said that this trip to CERN had not only strengthened his passion for science, but also his curiosity for understanding the universe.

“Scientists say that we don’t know even 5% of what makes up the universe, which makes you question a lot of things,” he said.

Inspired with a passion for science 

From high school onwards, the student began to get involved in science and technology competitions through FIRST LEGO League, an experience that sparked his interest in both robotics and programming.

In high school, he joined Overture, the PrepaTec Cumbres robotics team.

“In the robotics team, I’ve focused on programming and electrical systems, and have participated in the technical development and operation of the robot during the competitions.

“I believe that my experience with the robotics team was key to my successful CERN selection process,” he stated.

He mentioned that his parents and brother were key in helping him develop a curiosity for how things work.

“I believe that much of what I’ve achieved has been thanks to their constant support,” he said.

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