Cecilia Levy

Cecilia Levy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University at Albany, State University of New York, specializing in astroparticle physics and dark matter detection.

Her educational background includes:

• BSc from Université de Montréal, Canada
• MSc from Queen's University, Canada (PICASSO dark matter experiment)
• PhD from the University of Münster, Germany (XENON100 dark matter experiment)
• Postdoctoral research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (XENON1T)
• Postdoctoral research at University at Albany (LUX/LZ)

Dr. Levy's research focuses on direct dark matter detection through large-scale experiments. She is a key contributor to the LZ (LUX-ZEPLIN) experiment—a 7-ton detector where she leads critical work on cleanliness campaigns to minimize background signals. Her group coordinates calibration system deployment and analyzes the 206Pb wall background. Additionally, she pioneers the Snowball Chamber technology using supercooled water to probe low-mass dark matter, a unique initiative developed entirely by the UAlbany dark matter group. This dual focus provides students with unparalleled hands-on experience across experimental stages.

Her publication record demonstrates leadership in major collaborations (LZ, XENON), spanning sensitivity projections, technical design, background reduction, and innovative detector development for low-mass searches. The work reflects a consistent emphasis on experimental rigor and novel approaches to elusive dark matter signals.

Dr. Levy mentors students through full experimental cycles—from simulations to data analysis—and facilitates travel to SURF in South Dakota and national labs like SLAC/LBNL. Her group's involvement in detector assembly, commissioning, and calibration underscores deep integration into cutting-edge infrastructure. The UAlbany dark matter group maintains distinctive expertise in both LZ operations and Snowball Chamber development, positioning it at the forefront of multi-technique dark matter research.