Lucia Epstein is a Wellesley College Class of 2028 student studying Physics. Her research interests focus on nuclear fusion energy, particularly the development of equipment and detectors that can operate in fusion and other extreme environments.

Previous research experience: I have spent two years working in a lab affiliated with the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), primarily on liquid-argon purification for a LAr neutrino detector. In summer 2026, I worked on Sensing in Extreme Environments with Diamonds (SEED) at MIT, where I developed a low-temperature test stand to evaluate diamond-detector performance at cryogenic temperatures. I will continue this project in the coming semesters.

How I got started: I spoke with upperclassmen in an astrophysics club, who encouraged me to email a professor and ask to join research. I began attending group meetings and quickly took on my own projects. For my MIT project, a faculty connection helped me identify researchers to contact and taught me how to write and follow up on outreach emails. That process eventually connected me with my current supervisor.

Open to being contacted: Maybe, ask me first

Preferred contact: epsteinlucy@gmail.com

Comfortable discussing: Emailing professors, gaining lab experience, and applying for MITEI funding.

Links

Location

Wellesley

Wellesley, MA, USA