Dr. John Alison

Associate Professor

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Biography

John Alison is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing his research on Nuclear Particle Physics and High Energy Physics Experiment. He obtained his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, following a bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. Since joining Carnegie Mellon, Alison has led significant research efforts on the Higgs boson, particularly regarding its properties and the implications for the Standard Model of particle physics. His work involves using data from the Large Hadron Collider to study Higgs-boson pair production, which has unique signatures crucial for probing the extended models of particle physics. Alison's group is involved in designing high-precision detectors, including the High-Granularity Calorimeter, enhancing the CMS detector at CERN. They leverage advancements in machine learning to improve data selection and analysis techniques associated with Higgs boson decays, aiming to deepen the understanding of fundamental particle interactions and their mass acquisition mechanisms. Through numerous publications, John Alison contributes to the collaborative efforts in particle physics research, significantly enhancing the academic discourse in this ever-evolving field.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Teaching and conducting research in Nuclear Particle Physics and High Energy Physics Experiment.

Assistant Professor

2018-01-01 — 2024-01-01

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Engaged in teaching as well as research focused on Higgs boson studies.

Fermi/McCormick Fellow

2013-01-01 — 2018-01-01

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

Conducted post-doctoral research in high energy physics.

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.