Hello
Welcome to my website.
I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in Theoretical Cosmology at the Center for Theoretical Physics at
MIT working with Pr. Alan Guth and Pr. David Kaiser.
My work focuses on High Energy Theory, Cosmology and Theories of Gravity.
You can find some of my work here.
Work
As a cosmologist, I am interested in understanding the universe as a whole, from the era of inflation until today.During my PhD, I worked with Professor Nemanja Kaloper at the University of California, Davis.
INFLATIONWe revisit the hybrid inflation theory first proposed by A.Linde.
In his original paper, A.Linde considers an inflationary model involving two coupled massive scalar fields. This theory fails to predict a spectral index coherent with the Planck data. We focus on a model developed by Stewart that allows for a viable spectral tilt that fits the current data.
We study this hybrid inflation as an effective field theory showing that its predictions are in adequation with the Planck measurements. Furthermore, we explore the quantum stability of this model and outline a possible mechanism realizing the scalars as compact axions dual to massive 4-forms.DARK MATTER SEARCHES:We study a theory modeling dark matter as bosonic particles coupled to photons and gravitons in a strong gravitational field (ie. Black Hole).
Using modern methods of detection of Black hole, we propose ways to detect Dark Matter and potentially unravel the nature of Dark Matter.THEORIES OF GRAVITY:
Morgane König, PhD
Welcome! I am a postdoctoral fellow at MIT and Dartmouth College. I completed my PhD in theoretical physics at the University of California, making me the 9th black women to ever complete a PhD in theoretical physics in the USA, and the first black student to get a PhD in physics at UC Davis.
Inflation :
Inflation corresponds to the era following the Big Bang. The Universe undergoes an incredible expansion in a very short amount of time.
Dark Energy models :
Dark Energy is the dominant form of energy in our cosmological era. But the question of its nature remains an active area of research.
Contact
Morgane König, PhD
Center for Theoretical Physics
Department of Physics
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyYou can reach me at:
mkonig[at]mit[dot]edu or
morgane.konig[at]gmail[dot]com
Teaching
Graduate classes
Mathematical methods for physicists (205 A & 205 B) (F 2018, W 2019, TA):
205 A and 205 B are a two quarter classes that covers algebra, complex analysis, Fourier transforms, Green's function and differential equations to give physics graduate students a mathematics tool box.
(Uses Arfken Mathematical methods for physicists.)
Theoretical Cosmology (W 2018, TA) :
Focuses on understanding the dynamics of the universe from inflation until today's dark energy dominated era.
Upper division
Electromagnetism (S 2019, TA):
Upper division Electromagnetic class that requires an understanding of the basis of E&M.
Focuses on retarded potentials and general relativity.
(Uses Griffth Introduction to Electromagnetism).
Lower Division
Physics 7 series (2015-2020, Lecturer and TA) :
The 7 series is a three part introductory physics class for Life Sciences majors. It focuses on developing problem solving skills as opposed to memorization.
The first part of the series covers an introduction to thermodynamics and mechanical energies, the second part focuses on classical mechanics, fluid dynamics and circuit, and the third part introduces notions of waves and Electromagnetism.
Physics 9 series (2015-2020, TA) :
The 9 series is a four part physics class intended for engineering and physics major.
Throughout their education, students learn about mechanics, electromagnetism, circuit and themodynamics. The class relies heavily on lab activities where students are encourage to come up with and test their theories.
Personal
Paris :
I am was born and raised in Paris, Although I do not currently live there, Paris will always be my home city.
Conservatory :
I studied the piano, classical music theory and ballet for 10 years at the conservatoire du 5eme arrondissement in Paris. I am still doing ballet regularly.
Scubadiving :
I recently got my open water scuba diving certification.
CV
Work Experience :
Dec 2021-Now: Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Theoretical Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston MA
Sept 2015-Aug 2021: Teaching assistant (TA) and Associate Instructor (AI) at the University of California, Davis CA
Physics classes. 7 series, 9 series, upper division and graduate levels physics classes. See Teaching for more details.
Reference: Pr. Dina Zhabinskaya [email protected]
Oct 2014-Jan 2015: Intern, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley CA
Alma telescope project
Reference: Carlton Pennypacker +1 (510)-708-9700 · [email protected]
Apr- June 2014: Summer Intern, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley CA
Study of the BAO (Baryon acoustic Oscillation) peak in the BOSS experiment using the Lyman alpha. Reference: Julien Guy +1 (510)-495-8196 · [email protected]
May- June 2013: Intern, Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and High Energy physics, University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris
Study of low redshift type Ia Supernovae spectrum in SDSS, CSP and CFA surveys.
Reference: Julien Guy +1 (510)-495-8196 · [email protected]
May- June 2012: Summer Intern, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley CA
X-ray measurement from type Ia Supernovae belonging to far away galaxies (>20 Mpc).
Reference: Carl Pennypacker +1 (510) 708 9700 · [email protected]
Talks :
Mar 2024: Harvard University
Jan 2024: Perimeter Institute
Oct 2023: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
November 2022: Brown University
March 2022: Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
November 2021: University of Chicago.
September 2021: Leiden University, Institute Lorenz for theoretical physics.
May 2021: University of California Santa Barbara, KITP.
February 2021: University of Iowa.
February 2021: Perimeter Institute.
February 2021: University of California, Santa Cruz.
January 2021: Harvard University
December 2020: Brown University.
November 2020: NSBP (National Society of Black Physicists).
Education :
2015-2021: University of California, Davis
Philosophy Doctorate, PhD (GPA: 3.7).
Description: First year: Mechanics, mathematical methods for physicists, Electromagnetism, Quantum field theory I, Thermodynamics.
Second Year: Advanced General relativity, QFT II, Introduction to AdS/CFT, Cosmology, Introduction to Bosonic String theory.
Third Year: Standard model (symmetry breaking, Higgs mechanism).Advisors: Prof. Nemanja Kaloper & Prof. John Terning.
2012-2014: University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris
Master of Science, Ms (GPA: 3.8).
Description: First year: Fundamental Physics Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Classical field theory, Introduction to Particle physics, Introduction to Astrophysics and Introduction to Nuclear Physics.
Second Year: Nucleus Particles Astroparticles and Cosmology.
The NPAC program is a competitive research master program in collaboration with the university of Paris Diderot, the university of Orsay(Paris Sud) and research facilities such as the LPNHE(Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and High Energy physics) at University of Pierre and Marie Curie and APC (AstroParticle and Cosmology) at University of Paris Diderot. During this last year I mainly focussed on Cosmology classes such as Structure formation and Primordial universe as well as classes of Quantum field theory and Detector architecture.
Advisors: Prof. Danièle Steer & Prof. Guillaume Patanchon.
2011-2012: University of Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris
Bachelor of Science, BS double majors Fundamental Physics and theoretical Mathematics cuma laude.
Description: Bachelor of physics: Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, introduction to Special Relativity and Quantum Physics.
Bachelor of mathematics: Topology, Differential Calculus, Lesbegue Integration, Complex Analysis, Introduction to Group Theory.
Advisors: Prof. Jerome Tignon & Prof. Jean-Yves Chemin.
2008-2011: Lycée Henri IV, Paris
Classes préparatoires (MPSI/MP):
Intensive classes in classical Physics: Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Optics.
and Mathematics: Algebra, Analysis, Rieman Integration, Introduction to topology.
Publications :
Oct 2023 : Finite-Temperature Instantons from First PrinciplesSep 2023 : Elastic scattering of cosmological gravitational wave backgrounds: primordial black holes and stellar objectsJul 2023 : An SZ-like effect on cosmological gravitational wave backgrounds:Sep 2023 : What Can Galaxy Shapes Tell Us About Physics Beyond the Standard Model?:Jul 2022 : Exact fermionic Chern-Simons-Kodama state in quantum gravity:Jul 2020 : On Hybrid Monodromy inflation -Hic sun dracones-:Aug 2014 : Improved cosmological constraints from a joint analysis of the SDSS-II and SNLS supernova samples.
Awards :
2023 : MIT MLK Fellowship.
2015 : Fellowship for women in theoretical physics.
2014 : PhD scholarship from the University of Marseille (France) to work on the BOSS experiment (I declined).
2013 : Accepted in the NPAC program at the University of Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC).
2008 : Baccalauréat Magna Cum Laude at the Lycée Henri IV.
Computer skills :
Python, C, Latex.
Languages :
FRENCH - Native speaker
ENGLISH - Fluent
GERMAN - Fluent
Outreach
Astronomy on tap (Davis, CA) :
AOT (Astronomy On Tap) is a monthly serie of two 15 minutes talks delivered by professional or amateurs in the field of physics and astronomy.
When the idea of starting a Davis chapter was brought up by one of my fellow graduate student, Victoria Straight, I became instrumental in making it happened and helped organize the first events.
I also participated as a speaker and host numerous times.
I strongly believe in creating a bridge between scientists who are at the edge of knowledge, and non scientists who are interested in those topics. Astronomy in particular is in my opinion one of the most human subject as humanity has always wondered about the mysteries of the sky.
Conference for Undergraduate Women In Physics (CUWIP) 2019 (California chapter):
Each year, students from northern California and Nevada have the opportunity to participate in this unique conference.
The CUWIP program is designed to promote physics to undergraduate woman and to encourage them to envision a career in physics and attend graduate school in physics and astronomy.
In 2019, I took part as a mentor, sharing my experience as a woman in theoretical physics. I believe that diversity is important in physics and showing a diverse graduate student body would encourage minority students to feel welcome in a field that has historically been male dominated.
Winton Middle school outreach (Hayward, CA):
In the Winter of 2015, I organized science workshops at the Winton middle school (Hayward, CA). Twice a week, a group of middle school students and myself would explore various topics in physics, such as the nature of light, how magnets work, etc...
Winton Middle school is a minority serving institution, and as such, their students are very rarely exposed to scientist and the possibility of a career in science. This experience strengthened the importance of outreach in underserved schools. Every students regardless of their background, should be able to project themself in any career they show interest in. It is crucial to introduce them to the beauty and excitement of the world of physics.