Event Time:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
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2026-10-06T11:00:00
2026-10-06T12:00:00
PHAS Tuesday Tea!
Event Information:
Welcome to PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
This is a super friendly tea event for the UBC physics community. We hope you join us!
This event runs on Tuesdays from 11am-noon in the atrium outside of HENN 200. Come by for some social chit-chat and tasty treats.
We welcome all new undergrad and grad students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues and friends, to catch up with your physics community and to learn about current happenings in the PHAS Department.
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
Event Time:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Event Location:
UBC AMPEL 311
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2026-10-07T13:00:00
2026-10-07T14:00:00
Simulation and Modeling Tools for Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis
Event Information:
The Characterization@UBC is hosting a seminar on Wednesday, October 7, 1-2 pm at AMPEL 311 on “Simulation and Modeling Tools for Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis” by Dr. Anette von der Handt (UBCV Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences).
Abstract:A variety of simulation and modeling software tools are available for electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis applications. These tools can help researchers visualize electron trajectories and interaction volumes, predict X-ray generation, optimize analytical conditions, and interpret experimental results. However, these tools differ considerably in their modeling approaches and capabilities, particularly in their treatment of electron scattering, X-ray generation, secondary fluorescence, detector response, and quantitative corrections. Choosing the right software for a particular analytical question is therefore not always straightforward.
This seminar will provide an overview of commonly used software packages, including CASINO, DTSA-II, MC X-ray, PENEPMA, and BadgerFilm. We will compare Monte Carlo simulations and analytical modeling approaches, highlighting the capabilities, practical applications, advantages, and limitations of each package. Examples relevant to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) will illustrate how these tools can support experimental characterization and assist researchers in choosing the best analytical approach.Bio:Dr. Anette von der Handt is a Scientific and Business Development Director in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, where she oversees the electron microprobe (EPMA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) facilities in the EMXDF lab. With over 15 years of experience in microanalysis and a background in geology, she develops and applies advanced EPMA techniques for scientific and industrial applications, including ultralight element analysis, analysis of beam-sensitive materials, and quantitative X-ray mapping. She has managed microbeam labs in both Canada and the U.S. and supports collaborative research and training across disciplines. She is an active council member of the Microanalysis Society and is part of the management team of the Characterization @ UBC GCRC cluster.
Event Location:
UBC AMPEL 311
Event Time:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location:
Michael Smith Labs, Room 102 (2185 East Mall)
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2026-10-07T14:30:00
2026-10-07T16:00:00
Focus on Scientific Imaging (FOSI)
Event Information:
Welcome to the October 7th, 2026 FOSI Seminar, featuring a series of talks on medical imaging by a local panel of experts:
UBC Imaging facility managers and directors will each deliver a 15-minute presentation highlighting their respective facilities. If your group has new students or if you want to learn about other facilities, you are all welcome to attend!
Below is the tentative order of talks (15-minute talk each) -
Nancy Ford -Center for High-Throughput Phenogenomics
Claire Atkinson -High Resolution Macromolecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy
Miki Fujita – Bioimaging Facility
Cole Mauws – Electron Microbeam & X-ray Diffraction Facility
Ben Britton – Materials Engineering Electron Microscopy Lab
Event Location:
Michael Smith Labs, Room 102 (2185 East Mall)
Event Time:
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 5:00 pm - 6:20 pm
Event Location:
Green College: Coach House, 6201 Cecil Green Park Rd (will also be livestreamed)
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2026-10-08T17:00:00
2026-10-08T18:20:00
Misunderstanding Quantum Physics at a Deeper Level
Event Information:
Abstract:
It’s quite common in physics to hear that no one understands quantum mechanics and that the only possible way to teach it can be summed up by the phrase “shut up and calculate.” Among the general public, there are a number of misleading metaphors circulating, the best known of which is Schrödinger’s cat, but sometimes also the uncertainty principle, Heisenberg’s microscope, or Wigner’s friend. In this presentation, we will make a modest attempt to distinguish between what can be understood in quantum physics and what remains unknown. We will see that quantum mechanics occupies a very special place halfway between philosophy and physics—a realm where concepts such as knowledge, determinism, reality, and the role of the experimenter must be defined in order to begin to glimpse an explanation for the strange phenomena that quantum physics manages to predict with disconcerting ease.
Bio:
Dr Anthony Ayari is a senior researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), based in the Physics Department of the University of Lyon at the Light and Matter Institute. His research explores the behaviour of matter and electrons at the atomic scale, where classical and quantum physics intersect. He earned his PhD in Physics from Université Grenoble Alpes, France, with a focus on exotic electronic states in cryogenic environments. Following his doctoral studies, Dr Ayari joined the Nanoscience Group in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland (USA) as a research associate, where he conducted pioneering work on ultrathin transistors. In Lyon, his research on vacuum electron sources achieved record-high-temperature quantum emission and enabled the creation of highly coherent electromechanical devices, leading to multiple patents and collaboration with industrial partners. Dr Ayari serves on the scientific steering committee of the Center for Nanoscience and previously chaired the NanoElectroMechanical Systems committee at the Observatory for Micro and Nanotechnology.
Dr Ayari will be in residence at Green College for three months, beginning in early September 2026. During this time, he will be working in collaboration with Dr Alireza Nojeh, in UBC's Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute. His residency is in partnership with the French Embassy in Canada.
Event Location:
Green College: Coach House, 6201 Cecil Green Park Rd (will also be livestreamed)
Event Time:
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Event Location:
webinar
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2026-10-09T08:00:00
2026-10-09T09:00:00
MicroED in Practice : From Crystal Diffraction to Molecular Structures
Event Information:
Quebec Network of Electron Microscopy for Materials presents the webinar MicroED in Practice : From Crystal Diffraction to Molecular Structures, on Friday, October 9 2026, at 11 (EST).
This webinar will present fundamental techniques of microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) and its application to determine the structures of small molecules. Participants will learn about the main steps of the workflow, from sample preparation to measurements, and to data treatment, as well as optimisation strategies allowing to obtain structures from microcrystals.
This webinar, presented by Angel Valdez, McGill node microscopist, will be in English and will accept questions in English, French, or Spanish. A replay will be available later with French subtitles.
Event Location:
webinar
Event Time:
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
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2026-10-13T11:00:00
2026-10-13T12:00:00
PHAS Tuesday Tea!
Event Information:
Welcome to PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
This is a super friendly tea event for the UBC physics community. We hope you join us!
This event runs on Tuesdays from 11am-noon in the atrium outside of HENN 200. Come by for some social chit-chat and tasty treats.
We welcome all new undergrad and grad students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues and friends, to catch up with your physics community and to learn about current happenings in the PHAS Department.
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
Event Time:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
Add to Calendar
2026-10-20T11:00:00
2026-10-20T12:00:00
PHAS Tuesday Tea!
Event Information:
Welcome to PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
This is a super friendly tea event for the UBC physics community. We hope you join us!
This event runs on Tuesdays from 11am-noon in the atrium outside of HENN 200. Come by for some social chit-chat and tasty treats.
We welcome all new undergrad and grad students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues and friends, to catch up with your physics community and to learn about current happenings in the PHAS Department.
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
Event Time:
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
Add to Calendar
2026-10-27T11:00:00
2026-10-27T12:00:00
PHAS Tuesday Tea!
Event Information:
Welcome to PHAS TUESDAY TEA!
This is a super friendly tea event for the UBC physics community. We hope you join us!
This event runs on Tuesdays from 11am-noon in the atrium outside of HENN 200. Come by for some social chit-chat and tasty treats.
We welcome all new undergrad and grad students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues and friends, to catch up with your physics community and to learn about current happenings in the PHAS Department.
Event Location:
In the atrium outside of HENN 200
Event Time:
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Event Location:
HEBB 114
Add to Calendar
2026-10-27T19:00:00
2026-10-27T21:00:00
Science Under the Stars! Cosmic Fall Event
Event Information:
The Department of Physics & Astronomy and the UBC Astronomy Club present Science Under the Stars!
Science Under the Stars is a family-friendly introduction to astronomy, hosted every last Tuesday of the month at UBC.
Join us this month for our Cosmic Fall Event! An Autumn inspired event for those looking Fall fun. Enjoy various activities such as: candle-making, painting and board games with friendly company, and of course, festive food!
The UBC astronomy Club and the Department of Physics & Astronomy invite you - and your friends and family - to this inspiring night of science, curiosity and stargazing!
All ages welcome!
Event Location:
HEBB 114