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About

Lachlan Haydon

I am a dual-degree student at Loyola University Chicago pursuing a B.S. in Physics and a B.B.A. in Information Systems & Business Analytics, graduating in May 2026.

I am currently researching lightning dynamics and Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) at Loyola with Dr. Rasha Abbasi for the Telescope Array Project.

Experience

Jan 2025 — Present

Research Assistant

Loyola University Chicago

Researching Lightning Dynamics and Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) under Dr. Rasha Abbasi for the Telescope Array Project. Automated spectroscopic analysis, developed an interactive visualization GUI, and analyzed high-speed phantom video data. Co-authored a manuscript currently in review.

Jun 2025 — Aug 2025

Risk Management & Insurance Brokerage Intern

Marsh

Summer associate at the world's largest insurance brokerage. Placed in the Middle-Market Casualty team, gaining experience understanding coverages, negotiating with underwriters, and helping submit policies during the 7/1 busy season.

Sep 2023 — Dec 2024

Lead Writing Center Tutor

Loyola University Chicago

Started as a writing tutor sharing expertise and giving feedback on student assignments. Promoted to lead tutor with additional responsibilities including training and mentoring new employees and promoting the center at campus events.

2019 Present

Part Time Roles: Lifeguard, Physics Tutor, Grounds Keeper

Projects

Lightning & TGF Research

TGFs & Lightning Dynamics

Telescope Array · Loyola University Chicago
In Development

Quantum Mechanics Visualizations

Interactive Learning Tools
Lightning animation

Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes & Lightning Dynamics

Mulcahy Fellowship — Loyola University Chicago · Advisor: Dr. Rasha Abbasi · Telescope Array Collaboration

Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) are brief, intense bursts of gamma radiation originating within thunderstorms, believed to be produced by Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREA) during lightning leader propagation. This research examines connections between TGFs and lightning processes using a multi-instrument detection system in Delta, Utah.

Detection Instruments

  • VHF Interferometry (INTF) — Lightning channel imaging
  • Fast Antenna (FA) — Electric field measurements
  • Surface Detectors (TASD) — 507-detector gamma-ray array
  • High-speed Photometry — Multi-channel optical measurements at 337nm, 391nm, 777nm
  • Spectroscopy — Wavelength-resolved lightning emissions

Calibration & Data Fusion

I recreated a cross-matching calibration method for VHF interferometry using GPS-referenced Lightning Mapping Array data, achieving ~0.059° angular accuracy.

TGF Tool

Built a modular desktop application in Python and tkinter for unified multi-instrument visualization and analysis. Features include interactive plotting with configurable binning and colormaps, project-based file management via JSON schema, and tab-based navigation across instrument views.

TGF Tool — Main Tab TGF Tool — Spectroscopy Tab

Publication

Observation of a Downward Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flash Associated with Dart Leaders — Atmospheres (submitted December 2025)
N. Kieu, R. U. Abbasi, et al.

Presentation

Studying the Optical Emission of Lightning at the Telescope Array Detector — American Physical Society Global Summit, March 2026
L. Haydon, R. Abbasi, et al.

Python 3.9+ · NumPy · Matplotlib · SciPy · tkinter · JSON · CSV · HDF5

Quantum Mechanics Visualizations

This project is currently in development. Check back soon!

Resume