# SFP Announcements of Opportunity
**Source**: http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ViewAODetail&id=2980&inFrame=&type=
**Parent**: http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ShowAOPublicList&formType=UROH
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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | | --- | | Student-Faculty Programs Office Summer 2026 Announcements of Opportunity | | | | [<< Prev](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ViewAODetail&id=2983&inFrame=&type=#ao_nav_links) Record 9 of 12 [Next >>](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ViewAODetail&id=2968&inFrame=&type=#ao_nav_links) [Back To List](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ShowAOPublicList&inFrame=&type=#ao_list) --- | | | | --- | --- | | Project: | **Modeling how dark matter structure forms under gravity to test dark energy** (JPL AO No. 16824) | | Discipline: | Astronomy/Astrophysics | | Mentor: | Dida Markovic, (JPL), [katarina.markovic@jpl.nasa.gov](mailto:katarina.markovic@jpl.nasa.gov), Phone: (818) 354-9981 | | Background: | We have entered the era of precision cosmology, where flagship missions like the Euclid (launched in 2023) and Roman (launching this September) space telescopes will have mapped the universe with unprecedented detail by the beginning of the next decade. These missions aim to map billions of galaxies across cosmic time, providing a "high-definition" view of the universe's evolution. Recent analyses have begun to hint at potential deviations from the standard cosmological model (ΛCDM), particularly regarding the dynamical behavior of dark energy (w0−wa). While ΛCDM treats dark energy as a constant vacuum energy, these new signals suggest it may be dynamic—changing its density as the universe expands. To explore these emerging signals without being restricted to specific theoretical models, it is becoming increasingly important to adopt flexible, model-independent frameworks. These tools allow us to characterize the growth of cosmic Large-Scale Structure (LSS)—the "cosmic web" of matter—under the influence of gravity without being biased by prior assumptions. | | Description: | Effective Field Theory of Large-Scale Structure (EFTofLSS) is an enhanced version of perturbation theory for LSS. In the same way that engineers use effective theories to describe fluid dynamics without tracking every individual molecule, EFTofLSS allows cosmologists to model the distribution of matter on large scales while accounting for the complex, non-linear physics occurring on smaller scales. | | References: | EFTofLSS note: Baldauf, Tobias, ’Effective Field Theory of Large-Scale Structure’, <https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198855743.003.0007> First application of EFTofLSS: Guido d’Amico et al JCAP05(2020)005, <https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1475-7516/2020/05/005> Extension of EFTofLSS with model-independent (bootstrap) approach: Marco Marinucci et al, JCAP10(2024)051, <https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/10/051> | | Student Requirements: | Background in astrophysics or cosmology is preferable. Prior experience with coding and data analysis is required | | Location / Safety: | Project building and/or room locations: . Student will need special safety training: . | | Programs: | This AO can be done under the following programs: | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | | Program | Available To | | | | [SURF@JPL](https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surfjpl) | both Caltech and non-Caltech students | Click on a program name for program info and application requirements. | --- [<< Prev](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ViewAODetail&id=2983&inFrame=&type=#ao_nav_links) Record 9 of 12 [Next >>](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ViewAODetail&id=2968&inFrame=&type=#ao_nav_links) [Back To List](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/index.cfm?event=ShowAOPublicList&inFrame=&type=#ao_list) | --- | | | | --- | --- | | Problems with or questions about submitting an AO? Call [Student-Faculty Programs](mailto:sfp@caltech.edu) of the Student-Faculty Programs Office at (626) 395-2885. | [About This Site](http://announcements.surf.caltech.edu/About-Mighty-Ant-DataWorks.cfm) | | | | | | | | | |