The Rice University Particle Physics Masterclass participants, which included Cypress Springs High School AP Physics C students, pose for a photo after attending the masterclass on March 29. The masterclass offered a wide variety of scientific opportunities to participants.

May 20, 2025—Cypress Springs High School AP Physics C students attended a full-day Particle Physics Masterclass at Rice University on March 29.

The masterclass, hosted by physicists Dr. Frank Geurts and Dr. Darin Acosta, allowed students to experience real-world science through engaging instruction, hands-on data analysis and collaborative research with peers.

“This experience allowed me to see firsthand how particle physicists analyze events at subatomic levels,” said Cypress Springs senior Leonel Guzman Vega. “Even when we were unsure of how to classify a collision, it reminded me that science is always evolving, that curiosity drives discovery.”

With guidance from Dr. Geurts and Dr. Acosta, students explored the building blocks of matter and the fundamental forces shaping the universe. Following lectures on the Standard Model and the powerful machinery behind the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Large Hadron Collider (LHC), participants teamed up to analyze real Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) collision data, uncovering patterns and identifying particles.

Cypress Springs High School AP Physics C students participate in the Rice University Particle Physics Masterclass on March 29.

Students also enjoyed “Physics on Parade,” a celebration of science through live demonstrations performed by Rice students and professors. Masterclass participants also connected via video with other masterclasses around the world, where they compared findings and asked questions.

“The masterclass introduced me to a world of possibility,” said Cypress Springs senior Makayla Goines. “I realized how many others my age share my passion for discovery. The class was informative, inspiring and solidified my interest in pursuing Physics in college.”

The masterclass was sponsored Rice University, the Rice Department of Physics and Astronomy and QuarkNet, a national initiative supported by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. The fully funded event allowed Cypress Springs students to engage in experiments and see a glimpse into real-world research careers.

“Science isn’t just something we learn about, it’s something we do,” said Dr. Alain Harvey, Cypress Springs AP Physics C teacher. “I want my students to know that they have a place in this world of discovery. Experiences like this build not just knowledge, but confidence, purpose and wonder.”