About
Welcome to my personal website! I am a scientist and an engineer passionate about working on challenging technical projects and learning as much as possible. Here you can learn a bit about my professional journey, research projects, publications, and hobbies!
Work Experience
Physics PhD: experimental cosmology
My PhD research was on the development and characterization of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) instruments. The CMB is the oldest light that humans can image, and it provides information about the composition and history of our universe.
- Cryogenic readout electronics for the LiteBIRD satellite mission: assembly design and system testing
- Deployment of a cosmic microwave background instrument
- Sensitivity analysis of the Simons Array experiment
- Analysis of circularly polarized cosmic microwave background data
- Anti-reflection coatings for millimeter wave curved lens
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering: Fluid Dynamics
As a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering student, I worked on measurements of two-phase flows. Specifically, I developed experimental setups with high-speed cameras and x-rays to understand the behavior of air bubbles in water.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering: renewable energy research
- Biomass particle flow simulation for biofuel combustion
- Hydrogen diffusion modeling in nuclear fusion reactor
Internships
- Particulate Solid Research Institute - Mechanical Engineering Research
- AgroRaptor - Software Engineering
First-author Publications
- Farias, N., Adkins, T., Chu, M. et al. "Performance characterization of the transition-edge sensor array, readout system, and optical coupling of the Simons Array cosmic microwave background experiment". Manuscript submitted for publication, 2025.
- Farias, N. et al. "Development of LiteBIRD's cold readout sub-assembly", Proc. SPIE 13102, (2024)
- Farias, N., Adkins, T., de Haan, T. et al. "Understanding the Phase of Responsivity and Noise Sources in Frequency-Domain Multiplexed Readout of Transition Edge Sensor Bolometers". J Low Temp Phys 216, 352–362 (2024)
- Farias, N., Beckman, S., Lee, A.T. et al. "Simulated Performance of Laser-Machined Metamaterial Anti-reflection Coatings". J Low Temp Phys 209, 1232–1241 (2022)
- Farias, N., Russell, M. et al. "On-site detector noise characterization of the POLARBEAR-2A receiver," Proc. SPIE 12190, (2022)
Teaching Experience
UC Berkeley (Graduate)
- MECENG 103 - Experimentation and Measurements
- PHYS 7b - Electromagnetism
- PHYS C21 - Physics and Music
- PHYS 105 - Analytic Mechanics
Purdue University (Undergraduate)
- CS 159 - Introduction to C Programming
- ENGR 131 - Transforming Ideas into Innovation
Hobbies and Activities
Music
Music has been an incredible part of my life ever since I started playing guitar at age 10. During all of college, I played with the band Tower Six, and for 5 years of graduate school I played with the band Casachanclas. I absolutely love practicing, performing and recording songs. You can listen to the two bands on any major music platform.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
I started jiu-jitsu to learn self-defense and became somewhat addicted to it. In addition to the defense skills, the sport provides a way of thinking through body-sized puzzles that are different every time.
Hiking and More
I love outdoor activities, and am often out with my husband hiking, backpacking, mountaineering and climbing. So far, my favorite trekking experience has been going up to Everest's Base Camp, in Nepal.
Contact
Email: nfarias@berkeley.edu