MoNA -- The first 25 years

TL;DR

The MoNA collaboration has significantly advanced neutron-rich nuclide research over 25 years, involving diverse institutions and students, leading to new isotope discoveries and numerous publications.

Contribution

This paper documents the 25-year history and scientific achievements of the MoNA collaboration, highlighting its role in isotope discovery and educational impact.

Findings

Discovered seven new isotopes from lithium to fluorine.

Produced over fifty publications in nuclear physics.

Engaged hundreds of students in meaningful research.

Abstract

The Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) collaboration was initiated in 2000 at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University (MSU). Since then, the collaboration studied properties of nuclides at and beyond the neutron dripline discovering seven new isotopes between lithium to fluorine. The collaboration included liberal arts colleges, regional comprehensive universities, and major research universities with the focus of giving undergraduate students meaningful research experiences. Over the last 25 years, the combined efforts of hundreds of undergraduates, dozens of graduate students and research associates, and faculty from more than a dozen colleges and universities produced over fifty publications, won awards for research, and combined research and teaching in new and interesting ways.