Cy Springs High School Physics Students Get Crash Course in Particle Physics at Rice University
For a group of Cypress Springs High School seniors, March 29 wasn’t an ordinary school day. Instead of their usual AP Physics C classroom, they found themselves at Rice University, poring over real particle collision data from the world’s most advanced scientific instruments. It was all part of a prestigious Particle Physics Masterclass that gave students a firsthand look into the life of a research scientist.
Hosted by Rice University physicists Dr. Frank Geurts and Dr. Darin Acosta, the immersive event brought together students from Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and beyond to explore the fundamental building blocks of the universe. Participants received expert instruction on the Standard Model of particle physics and used data from CERN’s Large Hadron Collider to identify particle interactions.
“This experience allowed me to see firsthand how particle physicists analyze events at subatomic levels,” said Cypress Springs senior Leonel Guzman Vega. “Even when we were unsure of how to classify a collision, it reminded me that science is always evolving, that curiosity drives discovery.”
Discovery Through Collaboration
The day wasn’t just about theory. Students worked in teams to examine real Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) collision datasets—just like professional researchers do. They compared their findings with peers across the globe through a live international video conference and watched live physics demonstrations during “Physics on Parade,” a crowd-pleasing Rice tradition that showcases science in action.
“The masterclass introduced me to a world of possibility,” said senior Makayla Goines. “I realized how many others my age share my passion for discovery. The class was informative, inspiring and solidified my interest in pursuing Physics in college.”
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Funded by Rice University, its Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the national QuarkNet program, the full-day event provided students with access to top-tier scientific instruction—without the barrier of cost. For Cypress Springs physics teacher Dr. Alain Harvey, that accessibility was key.
“Science isn’t just something we learn about, it’s something we do,” Dr. Harvey said. “I want my students to know that they have a place in this world of discovery. Experiences like this build not just knowledge, but confidence, purpose and wonder.”
A Glimpse of the Future: Rice Launches AI Degree
As these students explored the tiniest components of the universe, Rice University was also setting its sights on the future. On May 20, the university announced the creation of a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, available to undergraduates starting this fall. The new degree is part of Rice’s broader commitment to responsible computing and will be housed in the Department of Computer Science.
“We are in a moment of rapid transformation driven by AI,” said Rice Provost Amy Dittmar. “This new major builds on our strengths in computing and education and is a vital part of our broader vision to lead in ethical AI and deliver real-world solutions.”
The program will include courses in cognitive psychology, AI ethics, and machine learning, and aims to prepare students to become thoughtful leaders in artificial intelligence—something that could resonate with many of the young minds attending the physics masterclass.
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Science in Action for CFISD Students
For the Cypress Springs students who attended the masterclass, the day was a powerful reminder that high-level research isn’t reserved for Ph.D.s in white coats. It’s accessible, exciting, and—thanks to educators like Dr. Harvey and programs like Rice’s—within reach.
Whether they choose to pursue physics, artificial intelligence, or another scientific path, these students now have a taste of what’s possible.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
