Darien Wood

Prof. Darien Wood is a Professor of Physics at Northeastern University's College of Science, specializing in Experimental Particle Physics. He leads research with the CMS experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), focusing on high-energy proton collisions to study Z bosons, dark matter, and Higgs boson interactions. His technical contributions include upgrades to the CMS muon detector's cathode strip chambers (CSCs) during LHC shutdowns and coordination of the HL-LHC detector upgrade. Previously, he co-lead the DØ experiment at Fermilab, contributing to top quark studies and Higgs boson research. He has been honored with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for LHC-based discoveries.

• Research Areas: Dark Matter detection, Higgs physics, muon detector technology
• Leadership Roles: Co-Spokesperson of DØ (2007–2009), CMS CSC electronics upgrade leader
• Key Projects: HL-LHC muon detector coordination, Z boson/missing transverse momentum studies

His work bridges experimental collider physics with advanced instrumentation, emphasizing both Standard Model precision and searches for new phenomena. Recent research includes studies of triple J/ψ meson production and nonresonant Higgs boson pair production, leveraging the LHC's 13 TeV collision energy.

Publications span over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent highlights focusing on dark matter signatures, vector-like quarks, and CP violation in top quark interactions. He actively mentors Northeastern students in CERN co-op programs and participates in public science initiatives like Einstein-First.