Giulia Marcoux and HAICU (submitted)
As a kid, I was always on the move, constantly engaged in sports and outdoor activities. Soccer and skateboarding were my go-to pastimes, fueling my love for the thrill and kinetics of movement. When I wasn’t outside, I could be found meticulously building with LEGOTM, creating intricate designs that sparked my imagination. The mainstream arrival of computers to households in the 90s added a new dimension to my creativity; I began using paint software to recreate my LEGOTM masterpieces, introducing me to a new layer of design.
These childhood experiences naturally guided me toward engineering. The dynamics of sports combined with the process of building and design laid the foundation for my academic path. This blend of interests ultimately led me to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering, where I could delve into mechanical principles and innovative concepts.
After graduating from an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, my journey has been deeply embedded in the heart of cutting-edge scientific exploration within the particle accelerator industry. In 2018, I joined Dehnel-Particle Accelerator Components and Engineering (D-Pace) as a systems engineer. This role marked a significant milestone, immersing me in the practical aspects of accelerator technology. At D-Pace, I was able to apply my aerospace engineering background in heat transfer and fluid dynamics to particle beam diagnostic device design, and spearhead operations for LINAC builds and Solid Target Stations, managing subsystems involving vacuum, water, air, gas, and electrical components. My work extended to instrumentation electronics, which prompted me to pursue a master’s degree in electronic engineering at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona in September 2022.
I completed my master’s thesis project at TRIUMF in the accelerator division, updating and developing hardware for a phase detector used in TRIUMF’s cyclotron injection line. I graduated with my master’s degree in May 2024 and now am an Electronics Specialist at TRIUMF contributing my diverse expertise to the HAICU project.
The HAICU experiment, which aims to develop quantum techniques such as atomic fountain and interferometry for studying antimatter, relies heavily on a decelerator subsystem. This vital component slows down hydrogen particles for magnetic trapping, and my primary responsibility is ensuring its seamless integration, maintenance, and optimization. My role also involves contributing to the broader technical and engineering aspects of the project, including ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenics, magnets, and control systems.
My educational and professional journey has taken me across diverse geographical and cultural landscapes, from beautiful Nelson, B.C, Canada to the vibrant academic environment of Barcelona. Each experience has enriched my understanding of global scientific collaboration and the importance of cross-disciplinary skills. The integration of electronics with my mechanical engineering background has provided a comprehensive perspective on particle accelerator subsystems, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between theory and practical application.
My journey in the world of accelerators has been a confluence of technical rigor, curiosity, and continuous learning, and I look forward to furthering my contributions to this exciting field.
Outside of my engineering work, I am passionate about sewing, back-country skiing, rock-climbing, and exploring the mountains of beautiful B.C!
