ORCID
About Me
Hi, I'm Jake! I'm a physicist from Hanover, MA, and I'm currently pursuing my PhD in Physics at the University of New Hampshire.
I graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2022 with a degree in physics. As an undergraduate, my research focused on exoplanet formation. I additionally worked with USAID on a project to reduce waste during disaster relief. Outside the classroom, I was involved with the WPI Theatre Department, working behind the scenes on publicity, ticket sales, and venue operations for productions across campus.
Research
My research focuses on X-ray polarization from neutron stars and other compact objects. I primarily develop data analysis methods for XL-Calibur, a balloon borne Compton polarimeter, while also studying neutron star X-ray binaries with NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE).
Outside the Lab
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking in the White Mountains, skiing during the winter, or learning to sail. I also enjoy building terrariums and growing carnivorous plants. Reading this back, it sounds suspiciously like a dating profile.
Major Projects/Papers
XL-Calibur Timing Correction - Baring, et al. (2026)
Timing correction and hard X-ray polarization analysis of the Crab pulsar and nebula.
Neutron Star X-ray Binaries
IXPE proposal work targeting polarization from accreting neutron star systems.
XL-Calibur Maximum Likelihood Analysis Method
Unbinned maximum likelihood methods for recovering polarization degree and angle.
Capstone Projects
Other notable works: Thesis Proposal, WPI Senior Capstone etc.