Michael S. Gold

Michael S. Gold is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (1986). His research focuses on experimental particle physics, including high-energy collider studies, supersymmetry, and neutrino properties. He has contributed to projects like the top quark discovery, cosmic ray research, and direct dark matter searches through initiatives such as CAPTAIN (liquid argon TPC) and CLEAN (liquid argon purification for dark matter detection).

He teaches advanced physics courses including Intermediate Quantum Mechanics, Modern Physics, and Nuclear/Particle Physics. His office is PAIS 3218, and his lab is located in PAIS 3311.

Education & Background

• PhD in Physics, University of California, Berkeley, 1986

Research Projects

• CAPTAIN: Development of liquid argon time projection chambers for neutrino detection
• CLEAN: Research on liquid argon purification for dark matter experiments
• Past involvement in top quark discovery at Fermilab and cosmic ray studies

Teaching

• Recent courses include Physics 330 (Modern Physics), Physics 450 (Nuclear/Particle Physics), and graduate-level quantum mechanics seminars
• Longstanding commitment to teaching physics fundamentals and contemporary topics