Dr. Rijeesh Keloth

My research journey has been deeply rooted in the experimental exploration of one of nature’s most mysterious particles — the neutrino. Over the years, I have focused on unraveling their intriguing behavior, particularly through the precise study of neutrino oscillation parameters. A significant part of this work has been dedicated to probing the possibility of a fourth, sterile neutrino — a hypothetical particle that could hint at physics beyond the Standard Model. Despite the enduring success of the Standard Model in describing the fundamental particles and their interactions, it remains incomplete in explaining several observed phenomena, including dark matter, the matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the full scope of neutrino properties. In my doctoral research, I rigorously tested alternative theoretical models that attempt to address these gaps, aiming to shed light on the hidden sectors of the universe. As part of the SoLid experiment in Belgium, I led efforts in machine learning-based particle identification, crucial for enhancing the sensitivity of heavy neutral lepton (HNL) searches. In addition, I served as the Data Quality and Operations Group Convener and later as Data Manager, overseeing detector performance and ensuring the reliability of data streams — roles that deeply shaped my experience in large-scale data handling and real-time system monitoring. In recent years, I have transitioned to the DarkSide-20k experiment, a cutting-edge liquid argon time projection chamber (LAr TPC) designed for ultra-sensitive dark matter detection. Here, my primary responsibility lies in the design, development, and optimization of the wire grid system, an essential component for precision charge collection and electric field uniformity. This work combines detailed hardware development with simulation and testing, bridging the gap between concept and execution in a high-stakes experimental environment. I am also a collaborator on the ProtoDUNE experiment at CERN. These experiences continue to strengthen my expertise in detector design, calibration, and large-scale instrumentation.