Mary Bishai, an experimental neutrino physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has a unique and captivating approach to her work. Her journey, from Egypt to the United States, and her passion for connecting physics with various disciplines, makes her a fascinating figure in the field of particle physics. Bishai's daily routine involves brainstorming, seeking out diverse perspectives, and playing devil's advocate, all of which contribute to her success in tackling complex scientific challenges.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Bishai's job is her ability to geek out on a wide range of technical and scientific challenges. She enjoys exploring the intersection of physics and engineering, coming up with multidisciplinary design solutions for massive science projects. For instance, as part of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), she has been involved in designing the infrastructure for the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility, which will send the world's most powerful beam of neutrinos to a detector in South Dakota. This involves discussing mechanical engineering, civil engineering, hydrogeology, and more, all in a single week.
However, Bishai's job is not without its challenges. She finds it difficult to deal with large international collaborations of scientists and engineers over long time scales. She emphasizes the need for emotional resilience, stamina, and patience to keep going for the decades it takes to get these large-scale projects to fruition. Burnout and despondency are real risks, and Bishai acknowledges the difficulty of keeping herself and her team motivated.
One of the most valuable lessons Bishai has learned is the importance of honesty to the science. She advises being honest with oneself about dead ends and not waiting for someone to tell you to stop. Instead, she encourages embracing new intellectual challenges and not being afraid to challenge established dogma and groupthink. This approach has allowed her to find the right direction and enjoy the fun part of the journey.
In conclusion, Mary Bishai's approach to her work is a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and honesty. Her ability to connect physics with various disciplines and her commitment to challenging established dogma make her a valuable asset to the field of particle physics. Her insights and experiences offer a fascinating perspective on the challenges and rewards of doing big science.
