CERN: A Maltese experience

How did you decide to apply for the summer student programme?

I applied for the summer student programme through the University of Malta which issued a call for applications. The call was followed by a shortlisting of applications and the chosen applicants, one from each related faculty, were guided to apply for this programme.

What is your previous background?

This is my first visit at CERN but I was aware of the type of work which is carried out at CERN, mainly through a lecturer who worked at CERN and had shared his experience in the field with us.

Tell us a few words about your project…

The project I was assigned involves creating a box which measures pico-ampere currents in HV lines. This box will be used in a system which consists of an AVD, a box created earlier by the same group I was assigned to, this pico-ampere measuring box and GEM detectors.

Is your experience so far close to what you were expecting?

My experience at CERN so far is great. I did not expect that I will make so many new friends from so many different countries in such a short time. The group I was assigned to is quite small so it is unavoidable that work mates become good friends. Of course I was impressed by the visits to the LHC experiments, I was aware of the dimensions and level of technology in the experiments, but being there is quite an experience.

From my time as a summer student at CERN I will certainly remember…

Clearly, many funny experiences with new friends from so many countries, the work experience and methods of addressing a problem and the visits to the LHC experiments.