Apr 18 – 19, 2026
University of Delaware, Sharp Laboratory
US/Eastern timezone
See you all at the CSAAPT Fall 2026 Meeting at William & Mary, Saturday, Oct. 10!

IceCube Masterclass : Exposing High-school students to the Frontiers of Astroparticle Research

Apr 18, 2026, 3:45 PM
15m
University of Delaware, Sharp Laboratory

University of Delaware, Sharp Laboratory

104 The Green, Newark, DE 19716
Talk (15 min) Room 103 (Parallel B)

Speaker

Paras Koundal (Bartol Research Institute, University of Delaware)

Description

For over a decade, the international IceCube Collaboration has hosted an annual Masterclass at multiple universities. This presentation highlights the 11th iteration of the program organized at the University of Delaware. The program is designed for advanced high school students, but especially juniors considering University STEM programs. It provides students with hands-on exposure to neutrino physics, cosmic-ray analysis, and the unique challenges of conducting research at the South Pole. The curriculum is structured to bridge the gap between foundational particle physics, hands-on experiments, and modern data science. Students move beyond theory by using tabletop muon detectors and performing event reconstructions of IceCube air-showers to derive the cosmic-ray energy spectrum. Additionally, it provides the opportunity for direct, personal interaction with professional researchers. We will also share insights into the Masterclass’s impact through student feedback and share our roadmap for upcoming years.

Primary author

Paras Koundal (Bartol Research Institute, University of Delaware)

Presentation materials