Dr. Rebeka Sultana on “Resolving the Mysteries of the Nuclear Structure”
Rebeka is a Research Associate in Facility of Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Currently, she serves on the MSU PDA Advocacy & DEI committee.
She says “FRIB has its own postdoc mentoring program the department; However, I realized that there are some issues that the postdocs face, which is central to the university, not directly affiliated to the department. Therefore, I have joined the MSU PDA advocacy committee so that I can convey concerns or message related to the postdocs to the university via the PDA or OPA. “
Interview by Jenna Lee,
Jenna -Tell me about you – your background and what you have done up until now.
Rebeka- I am a nuclear physicist who studies the structure of atomic nuclei. I study how the constituents of atomic nuclei interact with each other and how the nature of this interaction evolves with the changing ratio of protons and neutrons in the nuclei. The study of nuclear structure will eventually lead us in understanding the nature of the strong force which works only within a nucleus and which is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. Studying of nuclear structure also helps us understanding on how the elements in the universe were formed. I study the structure of nuclei through experimentation as well as theory.
During my PhD, I have run experiments and analyzed data from different national labs as well as from the John D. Fox lab at FSU. I have studied nuclei produced from both in-beam and beta decay experiments to reveal the nature of nucleon-nucleon interactions. Along with the experimental works, I have developed a theoretical model that interprets the proton-neutron interaction in lower mass nuclei. I did my first postdoc at TRIUMF, which is Canada’s National Particle Accelerator Center.
In my current postdoc position at MSU, I work at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). I work for the beta decay station at the FRIB which ran the first ever experiment in FRIB in May, 2022. I was very actively involved in that experiment and currently have been analyzing data from that experiment
What was the reason to choose MSU to do your postdoc?
MSU has one of the top research facilities in nuclear physics in the whole world and it is considered as number one in nuclear physics research in the United States. FRIB has the promises to produce the most exotic isotopes that are not found in nature and have never been produced before. I though I would be able to work and collaborate with the world class researchers here while at the same time can be involved with the experiments that will study the most exotic isotopes produced ever and will reveal the unknown and resolve the mysteries of the nuclear structure.
How has your experience as a postdoc here been so far?
My experience as a MSU postdoc is great so far. MSU-PDA tries their best to address the issues that the postdocs encounter in general. My department FRIB has its own postdoc mentor-ship program which addresses issues raised by any postdoc. The postdocs are encouraged to join different committees in the lab so that they can be actively involved in most of the activities conducted by the lab. My PI is extremely supportive in all aspects. The group I work with is very supportive, friendly; I find myself very fortunate to work with the best kind of people here. I feel extremely privileged to be involved with the experiments run in this world class facility, especially I was an amazing experience to be a part of the first FRIB experiment.
What is your advice on how MSU postdocs can get the most out of their experience here?
I would say, explore and experience as many things around you as possible. Those should not only be limited to the career related opportunities (of source those are the most important for the postdocs), Interact with people from different disciplines, different cultures. MSU offers a lot of activities for the graduate students/ postdocs. Involve yourself with those activities, those will be precious experiences for your future life.
To wrap it up, and to know more about you, tell me what comes to mind first in this rapid round of questions!
Favorite food or recipe – Fried foods (vegetarian) from any cuisine, ice cream
What was your first (or most unique) job?– I was a lecturer in Physics in an undergraduate university in Bangladesh before I came to the US for my PhD. The university was affiliated to a non-profitable organization called BRAC which worked for the marginal people from the underprivileged and remote parts of the country. Along with teaching, it was part of my responsibilities to visit the schools for the underprivileged children run by BRAC and its different sister organizations who worked for the empowerment of the marginal people, especially for the women by making them financially independent. Visiting those places, talking to the people, exchanging views with them have been extremely precious experiences in my life.
Favorite way to spend a day off: Going out with friends (anywhere), going for a long drive, staying at home and painting.
Job you would do if it wasn’t research? Astronaut, painter, novelist, pianist
Who inspired you to pursue a PhD and postdoc? My mom, not directly but in a subtle way. It was part of our play when she asked me what I wanted to be in future and my answer would always be ‘a scientist’, though I did not have any idea at that age what is the job of a scientist hahaha!
Please feel free to nominate a fellow postdoc for upcoming PDA Spotlight Posts by reaching out on social media or emailing us at PDA@grd.msu.edu
