Transforming Research: Colliding Particles and Exploding Stereotypes

(Photo: Owen Egan)

Racha Cheaib, BSc’08, is on a mission to unravel some of the universe’s greatest mysteries – and explode a few stereotypes along the way.

When Cheaib began her master’s in physics at McGill, she was acutely aware of how few female students were in her classes. And she was the only one wearing a hijab, an Islamic headscarf. “There’s a stereotype that Muslim women are not in a position to pursue a field like physics,” she says.

Cheaib quickly established herself as a top student. She is the first recipient of the Women in Science Fellowship, established by Tania Zouikin, BA’72, with alumni, friends, faculty, students and staff of the Faculty of Science. “I can focus on my studies now, without worrying about tuition, rent and other expenses,” says Cheaib gratefully.

Currently, she is analyzing data from BaBar, a 1,200-ton particle detector located at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University, studying the collision of the massive machine’s two ultra-powerful particle beams. “By capturing the energy signature when the particles collide, we can collect important information about the components inside the particles,” she explains.

Ultimately, she plans to complete a PhD and pursue a career in research. “There are not a lot of women in my field, and being recognized with this fellowship is truly an unforgettable experience.”