Models of Supersymmetry for Dark Matter

A brief review of supersymmetric models and their candidates for dark matter is carried out. The neutralino is a WIMP candidate in the MSSM where $R$-parity is conserved, but this model has the $\mu$ problem. There are natural solutions to this problem that necessarily introduce new structure beyond the MSSM, including new candidates for dark matter. In particular, in an extension of the NMSSM, the right-handed sneutrino can be used for this job. In $R$-parity violating models such as the $\mu\nu$SSM, the gravitino can be the dark matter, and could be detected by its decay products in gamma-ray experiments.Comment: Proceedings of RICAP 2016, 6 pages, 1 figur

The μν\mu\nuSSM and gravitino dark matter

We consider the phenomenological implications of gravitino dark matter in the context of the $\mu\nu$SSM. The latter is an R-parity breaking model which provides a solution to the $\mu$-problem of the MSSM and explains the origin of neutrino masses by simply using right-handed neutrino superfields. In particular, we analyze the prospects for detecting gamma rays from decaying gravitinos. Gravitino masses larger than 20 GeV are disfavored by the isotropic diffuse photon background measurements, but a gravitino with a mass range between $0.1 - 20$ GeV gives rise to a signal that might easily be observed by the FERMI satellite. Through this kind of analysis important regions of the parameter space of the $\mu\nu$SSM can be checked.Comment: Proceedings of DSU09 "The Dark Side of the Universe", 1-5 June 2009, Melbourne, 7 pages, 2 figure

Orbifolds with continuous Wilson lines and soft terms

Orbifold compactifications with continuous Wilson lines have very interesting characteristics and as a consequence they are candidates to obtain realistic models. We perform an analysis of the soft supersymmetry-breaking terms arising in this type of compactifications. We also compare these results with those of orbifolds without including continuous Wilson lines. Their phenomenological properties turn out to be similar.Comment: 7 pages, LaTe

SUSY Soft Breaking Terms from String Scenarios

The general SUSY soft breaking terms for a large class of phenomenologically relevant string scenarios (symmetric orbifolds) are given. They show a certain lack of universality, but not dangerous for flavor changing neutral currents. To get more quantitative results a specific SUSY breaking mechanism has to be considered, namely gaugino condensation in the hidden sector. Then, it turns out that squark and slepton masses tend to be much larger than scalar masses ($m_{\phi} > 10 M_a$), which probably is a quite general fact. Experimental bounds and the requirement of a successful electroweak breaking without fine tuning impose further restrictions on the soft breaking terms. As a consequence the gluino and chargino masses should be quite close to their present experimental limits, whereas squark and slepton masses should be much higher (> 1 TeV).Comment: (Talk presented at the SUSY-93 Conference, Boston, March 29 - April 2, 1993), 11 pages, CERN--TH.6922/9

TRANSFORMATIVE PEDAGOGY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION: TEACHING TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION STUDENTS TO BRIDGE WITH ANZALDÚAN THEORIES OF SOCIAL CHANGE

This thesis discusses the growing challenge facing teachers of technical communication in preparing educators with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to effectively work with an increasing diverse student population, especially with those students whose cultural, racial, language, professional, and ethnic backgrounds are different from the educator’s background. Therefore, Anzaldúan theory offers another productive way of bringing together theory and practice to address the challenge of seeing and practicing technical communication’s critical and civic aspects within diverse communities. This essay provides insight into how Anzaldúa theories for social change might fulfill civic objectives

Phenomenology of a New Supersymmetric Standard Model: The μν\mu\nuSSM

The $\mu\nu$SSM solves the $\mu$ problem of the MSSM and explains the origin of neutrino masses by simply using right-handed neutrino superfields. The solution implies the breaking of R-parity. The properties and phenomenology of the model are briefly reviewed.Comment: Proceedings of SUSY 2009, 5-10 June, Boston; 4 page