Research

Department of Physics, UC Berkeley
Thesis project: Dark matter distribution survey in nearby dwarf galaxies
Advisor: Prof. Leo Blitz — September 2012 – present

• Analyze 700+ hours of high-resolution molecular gas (CO) data of 30+ nearby dwarf galaxies to measure the dark matter distribution in the central kpc region of the galaxies
• Examine the observed dark matter distribution in conjunction with optical (near-infrared) IFS data using multiple theoretical models
• Deduce dark matter core development, galaxy formation and star formation history of these galaxies based on the data analysis
• Operate the CARMA system for radio astronomy research projects at scheduled intervals

Classify supernovae using Gaussian processes and lightcurve data
Advisor: Dr. A. Kim — Summer 2011

Compute the rate of dark matter production from electron-positron annihilation in the New Minimal Standard Model.
Advisor: Prof. H. Murayama — Spring 2010

Compute the probability distribution of observers in the multiverse over varying spatial curvature and cosmological constant, using the apparent horizon cutoff
Advisor: Prof. R. Bousso — Summer 2009

Department of Physics, Texas A&M University

Investigate the effect of supercritical string cosmology on dark matter relic density of the universe, specifically the dilution of neutralino caused by time-dependent dilaton field
Advisor: Prof. B. Dutta. Discussion with professors D. Nanopoulos and A. Lahanas (U. of Athens) — Summer 2007 – Summer 2008

Department of Mathematics, Texas A&M University

Study the solution and stress tensor components of infinite straight cosmic string to relate to the case of vacuum energy on exterior corners
Advisor: Prof. S. A. Fulling — Summer 2008

Study the correlations within the quantum spectrum of scale-free networks, specifically the continuous transition between quantum integrable and quantum chaotic regions.
Advisor: Prof. G. Berkolaiko — Summer 2007 – Spring 2008

Maria Mitchell Association, Nantucket, MA, USA
Astronomy Internship in the REU program — Summer 2006
1. Theoretically model the velocity field structure function and fractal dimension analysis to find the correlation between methanol maser and supersonic turbulence
Advisor: Dr. V. Strelnitski (Maria Mitchell Association)

2. Optimize the process of digitization and calibration of photographic plates
Advisor: Dr. P. Boyce (Maria Mitchell Association)

3. Find periodic activities of spotted BY-Draconis and UV-Ceti type stars in the Pleiades using differential aperture photometry.
Advisor: Dr. J. Milingo (Franklin & Marshall University, Maria Mitchell Association)

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Publications

1. S. A. Fulling, C. Trendafilova, P. Truong, J. Wagner. Wedges, Cone, Cosmic Strings and Their Vacuum Energy. J. Phys. A. 2012. http://iopscience.iop.org/1751-8121/45/37/374018/
2. P. N. Truong. The Effect of Supercritical String Cosmology on the Relic Density of Dark Matter. 2009. http://handle.tamu.edu/1969.1/86486
3. P. N. Truong, B. Ripman. Statistics of the Velocity Field and Spatial Distribution of Hot Spots in Methanol Masers. Journal of Young Investigators, Volume 17, Issue 5, November 2007.
4. P. N. Truong, B. Ripman, V. Strelnitski. The Velocity Dispersion and Spatial Distribution of “Hot Spots” in Methanol Masers: a Statistical Study. The Bulletin of American Astronomical Society vol. 38, No. 4, 2006 – poster presentation at the 2007 209th AAS/AAPT Joint Meeting.
5. P. Boyce, P. N. Truong. Astrometric Calibrations of Photographic Plates. The Bulletin of American Astronomical Society vol. 38, No. 4, 2006 – poster presentation at the 2007 209th AAS/AAPT Joint Meeting.

Presentations

• “Distribution and Kinematics of CO(1-0) in Early-Type Galaxy NGC 7465” — Oral presentation at CARMA Summer School, June 2012
• “Supernova Classification Using Gaussian Processes” — Oral presentation at the Cosmology in Northern California conference, October 2011
• “Vacuum Energy in Wedges and around Cosmic Strings” — Oral presentation in Quantum Vacuum Meeting, Texas A&M University, August 2008
• “Dark Matter Content in Q-Cosmology and Its Detectability in Anisotropy” — P. Truong, B. Dutta, S. Campbell, A. Krislock — Fall 2007 APS/AAPT Joint Meeting – October 20 2007, Texas A&M University
• “V-Band Photometry of BY Draconis-Type Variables; Probing Long-Term Activity Cycles in Three Pleiades Members” — J. B. Milingo, A. D. Thomson, P. N. Truong, L. A. Marshall., D. E. Backman — poster presentation at the 2007 210th AAS Meeting
• “A Statistical Study on Turbulence via Cosmic Methanol Masers” — Oral presentation in Student Research Week, Texas A&M University, March 2007
• “Statistical Properties of Quantum Graphs Represented by Complex Networks” — Oral presentation in Student Research Week, Texas A&M University, March 2008
• “Statistical Properties of Quantum Graphs Represented by Complex Networks” — Oral presentation in University Undergraduate Research Fellow Workshops, Texas A&M University, Spring 2008