Ian Shoemaker

Ian Shoemaker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), within the College of Science. He specializes in theoretical particle physics with a focus on neutrino physics, dark matter detection, and astrophysical phenomena. His research involves collaborations with major experimental facilities like the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), where he contributes to software development, detector design, and physics analysis.

Shoemaker holds a Ph.D. from UCLA. His work integrates theoretical models with experimental data to explore fundamental questions in particle physics, including neutrino oscillations, dark matter interactions, and supernova neutrino behavior. Key research interests include detecting new physics through neutrino experiments, studying sterile neutrinos, and probing dark matter via cosmic ray and neutrino signatures.

His recent articles emphasize DUNE's role in advancing neutrino science, including CP violation studies, supernova detection capabilities, and searches for beyond-Standard-Model particles. He also investigates neutrino properties such as polarizability and interactions with dark sector particles, leveraging experimental facilities like ProtoDUNE and Super-Kamiokande.

Shoemaker’s contributions extend to detector technology advancements, including liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs), and computational methods for neutrino event reconstruction. His research bridges theoretical predictions with experimental validation, addressing topics like cosmic neutrino backgrounds and high-energy cosmic neutrino probes of fundamental physics.