Background

I am originally from just outside Boston, Massachusetts. While I was initially interested in screenwriting, storytelling and people, I studied physics at the University of California, Los Angeles. I became involved in high-energy and astroparticle physics, the same research area where my father, (Joseph Kochocki), completed his graduate work and several postdoctoral positions during the early development of the field.

I chose to pursue graduate work in this area at Michigan State University. My research utilized the products of high-energy particle interactions to probe the dynamics of jetted astrophysical structures. This experience also provided a unique opportunity to consider the anthropology of scientific research communities.

Growing up within the political and cultural landscape of the United States, I developed an interest in the structure and variation of American families. My current work partially centers on how cooperation, innovation and persistence in human populations relates to extended family organization and resource flow.

Recent pictures of the IceCube Upgrade mDOM optical sensor. On the left, several mDOMs after integration and testing at Michigan State University (~200 total produced). On the right, a group photo at the end of season deployment via hot water drilling at the South Pole. The MSU mDOM "End Game" is pictured in the front.

Several pictures taken by my father of the Soudan Underground Mine (mid 1980s, northeastern Minnesota). As a child, I dreamt of mine shafts. This was the site of the Soudan proton decay and cosmic-ray experiments. On the left, a portion of the 23rd mine level prior to installation. On the right, proportional array tubes for integration. In the center, the inclined mine elevator.