A number of students at ASU and MIT Haystack Observatory have worked to design, assemble, and test EDGES hardware. The project provides an interdisciplinary environment for students to learn skills in analog electrical engineering, digital signal processing, software development, statistical data analysis, astrophysics, and scientific communication.
Two graduate students at ASU, Tom Mozdzen (Ph.D. 2017) and Nivedita Mahesh, have conducted Ph.D. thesis research with EDGES, both focusing on antenna design and characterization. Three other graduate students at ASU have worked with EDGES on short-term introductory projects at the beginning of their graduate studies, contributing to characterizing the RFI environment, investigating astrophysical models, and observing radio recombination lines.
The EDGES student team contributes to numerous education and public outreach events in the Phoenix metropolitan area and southwest region. Undergraduate and graduate students have presented ongoing research in radio instrumentation and astronomy, engaged visitors by demonstrating a solar-powered spectrum analyzer that shows FM, TV, and cell phone signals, conducted the “RFI Detectives” activity for children using a transistor radio to search for and list sources of RFI in the building (adapted from the NRAO RFI Detectives classroom activity), and distributed radio-astronomy themed word games and puzzles.
Photos of students working with EDGES
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- Sarah and Hamdi at the MRO
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- Breana and Jose testing solar panels on the roof
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- Nivedita and Tom calibrating a receiver
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- Jose soldering electronics
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- Lauren making the all-sky camera enclosure
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- Delani testing an antenna
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- Delani testing an antenna
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- Kali and Lauren presenting their work at a conference
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- Leroy assembling a new receiver and backend
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- Jose and Hamdi at the MRO
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- Tom calibrating a receiver
