Events List for the Academic Year
Event Time:
Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre - level 8)
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2025-06-19T18:00:00
2025-06-19T19:30:00
How the Universe Works: An Introduction to Galactic Radio Astronomy
Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from the Milky Way to radio waves in this new, accessible science series: How the Universe Works!. All are welcome!
Abstract:
Imagine that you look up on a dark clear night, seeing countless stars scattered across the sky, divided by the hazy band of the Milky Way—our Galaxy. The haziness of the Galactic Plane is caused by vast clouds of dust lining the Galactic disk, which obscure much of the Galaxy from our sight. But what if we could see beyond the dust, revealing the hidden structures and objects that share our cosmic home? This is where Galactic radio astronomy truly shines, allowing us to peer through the darkness and uncover the Milky Way’s secrets.
In this talk, we’ll step beyond the limits of optical astronomy and into the invisible world of radio waves, mapping our Galaxy in a whole new way. From the birth of radio astronomy to the frontiers of modern research, we’ll explore how these maps not only help us understand the Milky Way but also allow us to remove it from our view—clearing the way to see the universe beyond.
Bio:
Dr. Thomas J. Rennie is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia, where he specializes in analyzing and interpreting radio maps of the Milky Way. After obtaining his Ph.D., Dr. Rennie joined UBC to work on the Canadian Galactic Emission Mapper (CGEM) project, which focuses on a new telescope being built at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC. CGEM maps will play a key role in a global effort to further our understanding of our Galaxy and to look deeper and reveal the echo of the Big Bang (the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB) and probe the very earliest moments in the history of the universe.
Learn More:
About the Canadian Galactic Emission Mapper (CGEM) project: https://cgem.ubc.ca/
About the Dominion Radio Astrophysics Observatory (DRAO): https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/nrc-facilities/dominion-radio-astrophysical-observatory-research-facility
About the "Big Bang": https://science.nasa.gov/universe/the-big-bang/
About the Cosmic Microwave Background: https://lambda.gsfc.nasa.gov/education/graphic_history/microwaves.html
About Thomas Rennie: https://tjrennie.github.io/index.html
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre - level 8)
Event Time:
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre, level 8)
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2025-04-24T18:00:00
2025-04-24T19:30:00
How the Universe Works: Milky Way - Our Place in the Universe
Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from quantum physics to the Milky Way in this new, accessible science series: How the Universe Works! All are welcome!
Abstract:
Have you ever wondered where we are situated in the Universe, beyond our Earth and the Solar System? Dr. Man will present the chronicle of discoveries that led us to understand our place in the Universe, discoveries enabled by scientific and technological advancement in distance measurements. You will learn how we can measure astronomical distances using light alone!
Bio:
Dr. Allison Man uses the most advanced telescopes to study how massive galaxies like our own Milky Way came to be. She investigates the physics behind starburst activity, colliding galaxies and supermassive black holes. Before joining UBC as an assistant professor, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the European Southern Observatory and at the University of Toronto. Allison received her PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Copenhagen.
Learn More:
About the Milky Way: https://science.nasa.gov/resource/the-milky-way-galaxy/
About Astrophysics: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/
About Allison Man at UBC Physics & Astronomy: https://phas.ubc.ca/users/allison-man
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre, level 8)
Event Time:
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
BRIM 311
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2025-04-17T10:00:00
2025-04-17T11:00:00
Using Neural Networks to Accelerate Molecular Dynamics
Event Information:
When running molecular dynamics simulations, typically timesteps must be on the order of 2fs to preserve numerical stability. This sharply limits our ability to generate trajectories for processes such as protein folding that can take on the order of milliseconds. In this talk, we'll discuss training a neural net to predict the configuration of the protein many timesteps in the future (conditional on its current configuration) in order to save computation. Such a neural net cannot output a state deterministically but must sample from a probability distribution because molecular dynamics is stochastic. We'll examine two well-known machine learning methods for modelling a probability distribution over many dimensions: Generative Adversarial Nets and Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models. In addition, molecular dynamics is symmetric under rotations and translations, and so the talk will also explain how the idea of a representation from group theory is helpful for constructing neural nets that respect these symmetries. We try out these techniques on small molecules and short proteins in solution.
Event Location:
BRIM 311
Event Time:
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
TRIUMF - Main Office Building Auditorium (4004 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver, BC / V6T 2A3)
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2025-04-12T10:00:00
2025-04-12T12:00:00
Saturday Morning Lectures
Event Information:
April 12 (TRIUMF)10:00 Sabrina Leslie (UBC): "New eyes on medicines and vaccines: seeing how they work one molecule at a time"11:10 Andrea Capra (TRIUMF): "Dropping anti-atoms at CERN"
Event Location:
TRIUMF - Main Office Building Auditorium (4004 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver, BC / V6T 2A3)
Event Time:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
CEME 1203 (UBC campus)
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2025-04-10T10:00:00
2025-04-10T11:00:00
Small Systems, Smart Strategies: Energy Optimization through Stochastic Thermodynamics
Event Information:
This talk is part of the Structural Matter Seminar series.
Abstract:
Dr. Loos will explore the framework of stochastic thermodynamics to study the thermodynamic properties of microscale systems subject to thermal and non-thermal noise. She will discuss fundamental principles of control strategies that transition a system from one state to another in the most energy-efficient way. As a canonical example, she will explain the problem of dragging a harmonic trap containing a particle over a finite distance in a finite time while minimizing the work input, showcasing that the optimal dragging protocol and the corresponding mean particle trajectory both exhibit time-reversal symmetry, identified as a universal and exclusive feature of optimal solutions.
Bio:
Dr Sarah Loos | Corpus Christi College University of Cambridge
Event Location:
CEME 1203 (UBC campus)
Event Time:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Event Location:
Earth Sciences Building, 1st Floor Lobby and Atrium
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2025-04-10T09:30:00
2025-04-10T14:30:00
2025 Science Education Open House
Event Information:
Welcome, faculty and instructors to the 2025 Science Education Open House:
Event Schedule
9:30am - Registration
Check in at registration desk, coffee and snacks available
10:00am - Morning Session, Part 1
Welcome and Schedule Overview
Remarks from Mark MacLachlan, Dean pro tem
Highlights from the Skylight Team
Keynote: Looking Back to Look Forward -by Karen Smith (Microbiology & Immunology)
11:15am - Break
Coffee and snacks available
11:30am - Morning Session, Part 2
Integrating Generative AI into Curricula: Motivation, Challenges, and Approaches – Dongwook Yoon (Computer Science)
The Development and Delivery of a Pre-term, Unassessed Laboratory Foundations Event (LFE) for Incoming First-year Students with Minimal Prior Laboratory Experience – Navreet Grewal, Anne Thomas & Anka Lekhi (Chemistry)
12:30pm - Lunch
Lunch and socializing with colleagues, food will remain available during the poster session
1:00pm - Poster (or “Show and Tell”) Session
Afternoon session showcasing teaching and learning projects from across the Faculty of Science
Event Location:
Earth Sciences Building, 1st Floor Lobby and Atrium
Event Time:
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Event Location:
AMS NEST Room 2314
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2025-04-09T18:00:00
2025-04-09T20:00:00
Medical Imaging Networking Night
Event Information:
Event hosted by the AMS Medical Imaging Club at UBC.
This event is designed to connect students with professionals in medical imaging through a round-robin networking format. Attendees will have the chance to engage in face-to-face discussions with radiologists, MD and MD/PhD candidates, radiology residents, imaging technologists (ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MRI), and UBC researchers in radiology.
Students interested in radiology, medical research, or imaging technology will gain valuable career insights, mentorship opportunities, and a deeper understanding of medical imaging professions. They will also have the opportunity to build meaningful connections that may extend beyond their undergraduate studies. Food will be provided, creating a relaxed and engaging networking environment.
Event Location:
AMS NEST Room 2314
Event Time:
Monday, April 7, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 am
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-04-07T16:00:00
2025-04-07T05:00:00
Gravitational Waves from the Stellar Graveyard
Event Information:
Abstract:
The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration has observed hundreds of gravitational-wave sources to date, including mergers between black holes, neutron stars, and mixed neutron star--black holes. These neutron stars and black holes connect many astrophysical puzzles, including the lives and deaths of stars, star cluster dynamics, cosmic chemical enrichment, and the expansion history of the Universe. I will describe some recent astrophysical lessons from gravitational-wave discoveries.
Bio:
Maya is an Assistant Professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), University of Toronto. She is a gravitational-wave astrophysicist and member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. Previously, she was a NASA Einstein Postdoctoral Fellow at CIERA, Northwestern University, and before that, she was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow at the University of Chicago, where she completed her PhD under the supervision of Daniel Holz.
Maya's research includes gravitational-wave astronomy and cosmology, black holes, neutron stars, massive stars, transients, large-scale structure and astrostatistics.
Learn More:
About the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration
About Gravitational waves
About Neutron stars
Resources:
See her University of Toronto faculty page here: U of T Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics | Maya Fishbach Directory All A-Z and her personal website here: Maya Fishbach
View her presentation: "Listening to Black Holes with Gravitational Waves": Fishbach_KICP20
Watch her videos:
Astrophysics and Cosmology with Black Hole Mergers
Black hole astrophysics with gravitational-wave catalogs - IPAM at UCLA
Physics of Compact Binary Coalescence (2022)
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Friday, April 4, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN Room 202
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2025-04-04T16:00:00
2025-04-04T17:00:00
Observing galaxies in our nearby Universe: from ground to space, optical to radio
Event Information:
This talk is presented by the UBC Astronomy Club!
Abstract:
Galaxies are the building blocks of our universe. By studying the lifecycles of different components in galaxies, such as stars, gas and dust, we build yardsticks to probe the evolution of galaxies and the universe. As technology advances, we can now observe nearby galaxies with exquisite details, resolving individual star clusters and star forming units. We have also managed to cover all the observable frequencies and beyond. In this talk, Dr. Anan will show what we have learned about the nearby galaxies through ground-based and space-based observations.
Bio:
Dr. Anan Lu is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy. Her research focuses on star formation efficiency near the centers of galaxies, including bulges and nuclear rings. She loves to study astrophysical phenomena and paint them as well.
Learn More:
About Dr. Anan Lu: https://ananlu.github.io/
About Galaxies: https://science.nasa.gov/universe/galaxies/
About star formation: https://science.nasa.gov/universe/stars/
Event Location:
HENN Room 202
Event Time:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
BRIM 311
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2025-04-03T10:00:00
2025-04-03T11:00:00
Complexity in Josephson Matter
Event Information:
Hybrid superconductors-semiconductor heterostructures allow voltage control of carrier density in superconducting systems. We use these materials to investigate novel gate-controlled arrays of Josephson junctions in a variety of geometries, examining the interplay of quantum coherence, Coulomb interaction, and frustration. Using the example of the dice lattice, I will draw connections between protected quantum information and quantum phase transitions in two dimensions.
Event Location:
BRIM 311
Event Time:
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200
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2025-04-01T17:00:00
2025-04-01T18:00:00
Through Many Lenses: Diverse Perspectives on Education and Discovery
Event Information:
This STEAM Lecture series is hosted by the UBC Astronomy Club.
Abstract:
Dr. Poh Tan and Daniel Asel, RGD, make learning science fun for kids. Coming from opposite sides of the world, their unique perspectives - merged with Indigenous ways of knowing - seek to the make science education more engaging and accessible for all learners. In this talk, they explore the challenges of teaching kids about the universe, the role of art in making complex concepts approachable, and disrupting the barriers to inclusive education. Through their experiences, attendees will discover innovative ways to inspire curiosity, create meaning impact, and make learning both fun and accessible for every child.
Bios:
Dr. Poh Tan is an award-winning scientist, educator, entrepreneur, and mother. She earned her first PhD in Experimental Medicine from UBC in 2008, focusing on stem cell biology. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to education and interdisciplinary research, Dr. Tan pursued a second PhD in Education at Simon Fraser University, successfully defending her thesis in February, 2024.
As the founder and CEO of STEMedge Academy Inc., Dr. Tan has advised prominent organizations, including BC Hydro's Power Smart for Schools program, on education outreach initiatives. Dr. Tan is a two-time TEDx speaker and her commitment to de-centering dominant ways of teaching science is demonstrated by her long-term volunteer work at Vancouver's Science World, a research associate at the Institute for Environmental Learning, research fellow at Vancouver Botanical Garden Association, and faculty at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Tan was honoured with the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award from SFU, the Dean's medal for her thesis work, the Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Award and the Kris Magnusson Emerging Leaders Award that recognizes her leadership and a committment to transformative education.
Daniel Asel is a creative director, educational designer, and advocate for accessible learning. With over 16 years of experience in creative leadership, Daniel's work blends art, science, and storytelling to create engaging learning experiences for young audiences. As a proud member of Canada's Association of Registered Graphic Designers - a government-legislated design association founded on principles of accessible design - he brings a values-driven approach to every project. His work designing award-winning educational experiences for kids has been recognized by Parent Tested Parent Approved (R) and he is also a published academic author in the field of education reform for neurodivergent students.
As a creative director, Daniel has led major projects for purpose-led organizations including BC Hydro's Power Smart for Schools program, BC Transit's sustainability outreach strategy and the University of Toronto's neuroscience outreach program. He also spearheaded the Boston Red Sox STEAM education program as part of their educational outreach and contributed to the BOOK IT literacy program in the US, which promotes reading resources to over 14 million young readers annually. Daniel specializes in STEAM curriculum content design, interactive media, and brand strategy-developing thoughtful, inclusive and playful education content for schools, families, and global organizations.
As a neurodivergent individual himself, Daniel's mission is to make education truly accessible for all learners. His work centers on creating emotionally resonant experiences that spark curiosity, invite discovery, and foster a lifelong love of learning. He regularly consults on accessibility and inclusive design in education, with a focus on removing barriers and making learning joyful and meaningful for every student.
Event Location:
HENN 200
Event Time:
Monday, March 31, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-03-31T16:00:00
2025-03-31T17:00:00
A Pan-STARRS Search for Distant Planets
Event Information:
Abstract:
I present a search for distant planets in Pan-STARRS1 data. This search has been calibrated by injecting an isotropic control population of synthetic detections into Pan-STARRS1 source catalogs, providing a high-fidelity approximation to injecting synthetic sources at the image level. The search method is sensitive to a wide range of distances, as well as all rates and directions of motion. The search discovered and recovered 692 solar system objects, including 642 TNOs, 23 of which are dwarf planets. By raw number of detections, this is the third most productive Kuiper Belt survey to date, in spite of the fact that distances closer than 80 au were not explicitly searched.
Although the search did not find Planet Nine or any other planetary objects, to date, it shows that the remaining parameter space for Planet Nine is highly concentrated in the galactic plane.
A catalog-based approach to characterizing searches will be increasingly important for surveys such as Rubin, Euclid, and Roman, for which injecting synthetic moving sources directly into the images will be even more challenging.
Bio:
Matthew Holman is an Astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and a Lecturer in the Harvard University Department of Astronomy. Holman received an S.B. degree in Mathematics in 1989 and a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences in 1994, both from MIT. After postdoctoral positions at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, he joined the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in 1997 as a tenure-track civil servant and received tenure in 2001.
Holman is credited with the discovery of satellites of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Holman, along with Jack Wisdom, developed an algorithm for the efficient and accurate numerical integration of the orbits in the solar system n-body problem. This is now the framework of nearly every solar system integration package available.
Holman, along with Norman Murray, received the 1999 Newcomb Cleveland Award, given annually by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for the outstanding refereed publication in Science.
Learn More:
Read his faculty wepage from the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard & Simthsonian here: Matthew Holman | Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Go through his personal webpage here: Matthew Holman's Home Page
Some of his discoveries:
"Discovery of Three Irregular Neptunian Moons": Text of Neptunian Press Release
"The Irregular Satellites of Saturn": THE SATURNIAN IRREGULARS HOME PAGE
"The Uranian Irregulars home page": THE URANIAN IRREGULARS HOME PAGE
View his wikipedia page: Matthew J. Holman - Wikipedia
About Planet 9: https://www.astronomy.com/science/does-planet-nine-exist/
About Pan-STARRS: https://www2.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/Pan-STARRS.shtml
View the Pan-STARR 1 public data page: https://outerspace.stsci.edu/display/PANSTARRS/
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
SFU Surrey (13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
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2025-03-29T10:00:00
2025-03-29T12:00:00
Saturday Morning Lectures
Event Information:
March 29 (SFU)10:00 Sabrina Leslie (UBC): "New eyes on medicines and vaccines: seeing how they work one molecule at a time"11:10 Annika Lennarz (TRIUMF): "Hunting for Ghosts - Searching for massive neutrinos with superconducting sensors"
Event Location:
SFU Surrey (13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
Event Time:
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-03-27T16:00:00
2025-03-27T17:00:00
Tunneling through the Cell: Structure and Transport in Organelle Networks
Event Information:
Abstract:
Living cells organize their interior into systems of interacting membrane-bound organelles. In this talk we will explore two organelles that form extensive networked architectures spanning across the cell: mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). While functionally distinct, both of these organelles give rise to fundamental physical questions: How are network structures formed and maintained? How do the morphology and dynamics of these organelles allow them to facilitate transport throughout the cell? We will show that the peripheral ER can be approximated as a `liquid network' whose dynamic rearrangements are driven by tension and tubular growth. Mitochondria, by contrast, undergo fusion and fission to form morphologies ranging from highly fragmented `social' networks to highly branched tubular structures. Using dynamic network models, we explore the rate of material transport in different mitochondrial network structures and in the interconnected tubular mesh of the ER, highlighting the key physical features that govern the rate of dispersion and delivery. Along the way, we will see how emergent complex structures in living cells motivate new questions in network physics, and how a physical perspective on transport illuminates biological function.
Bio:
Elena Koslover is a professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego. She obtained her undergraduate degrees in biology and mathematics at the California Institute of Technology, an MPhil in chemistry from the University of Cambridge, and her PhD in biophysics at Stanford University, where she worked on modeling genome mechanics and intracellular fluid dynamics. Her research group uses theoretical and computational techniques, together with analysis of quantitative data provided by collaborating groups, to understand how the morphology and organization of cellular structures determine the spatiotemporal distribution of cell components and the kinetics of their interactions.
Learn More:
See Lena's faculty profile page here: Elena Koslover | UCSD Profiles
Read about the Koslover Group here: Koslover Group - UCSD
About organelles: Organelles - Definition, List, and Functions
About Genome mechanics: DNA Mechanics | Annual Reviews
About intracellular fluid dynamics: Physiology, Body Fluids - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Event Location:
HENN 201
Event Time:
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200 (in the atrium outside of the classroom)
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2025-03-27T15:00:00
2025-03-27T16:00:00
PHAS Thursday Tea!
Event Information:
Event Information:
We welcome you to our weekly PHAS THURSDAY Tea!
Term 2 has delivered a new schedule for our friendly neighbourhood tea event: join us Thursdays from 3-4pm in the atrium outside of HENN 200. For those interested, we invite you to follow up with our weekly Department colloquia in HENN 201 from 4-5pm.
We welcome all students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues, catch up with your physics community and to learn about current happenings in the PHAS Department.
Meet your hosts from the EDI Community Building Working Group:
Jess McIver
Adele Ruosi
Megan Bingham
Evan Goetz
Mona Berciu
Howard Li
Mandana Amiri
We look forward to meeting you!
Event Location:
HENN 200 (in the atrium outside of the classroom)
Event Time:
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
BRIM 111
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2025-03-27T10:00:00
2025-03-27T11:00:00
Shedding nano-light on quantum materials
Event Information:
Optical spectroscopies have contributed immensely to the present understanding of metals, semiconductors and superconductors. Unfortunately, optics encounters problems when it comes to “seeing” effects at length scales below the diffraction limit of light and also with probing physics outside of the light cone. Both capabilities are highly desirable for the exploration of quantum physics of new quantum materials. Over the last decade or so, our group has developed and deployed scanning-probe nano-optical methods for the nano-scale spectroscopy and imaging of complex materials. In this talk, I will discuss our progress with the understanding of the electronic phenomena in atomically layered van der Waals (vdW) materials, all empowered by deeply subdiffractional nano-light imaging. I will focus on two recent results: 1) Good plasmons in a bad metal: MoOCl_2 is the latest addition to hyperbolic vdW materials with non-trivial electrodynamics spanning a broad range of frequencies from mid-IR to visible [Frank Ruta et al. Science 387, 786 (2025)]; 2) vdW waveguide quantum electrodynamics: we observed notable Purcell enhancement of the spontaneous emission produced by MoTe_2 monolayers integrated in WSe_2 waveguides [Sam Moore et al. Nature Photonics (2025)].
Dmitri N. Basov (PhD 1991) is a Higgins professor and Chair of the Department of Physics at Columbia University [http://infrared.cni.columbia.edu], the Director of the DOE Energy Frontiers Research Center on Programmable Quantum Materials [since 2018] and co-director of Max Planck Society – New York Center for Nonequilibrium Quantum Phenomena [2018-2030]. He has served as a professor (1997-2016) and Chair (2010-2015) of Physics, University of California San Diego. Research interests include: physics of quantum materials, superconductivity, two-dimensional materials, infrared nano-optics. Prizes and recognitions: Sloan Fellowship (1999), Genzel Prize (2014), Humboldt research award (2009), Frank Isakson Prize, American Physical Society (2012), Moore Investigator (2014, 2020), K.J. Button Prize (2019), Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship (U.S. Department of Defense, 2019), National Academy of Sciences (2020).
Event Location:
BRIM 111
Event Time:
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-03-25T15:45:00
2025-03-25T16:45:00
Quantum Field Theory, Separation of Scales, and Beyond
Event Information:
Welcome to the last talk in our new Pioneers in Theoretical Physics Colloquium Series.
On March 25th, we present Dr. Nathan Seiberg, a mathematical physicist currently working at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
Abstract:We will review the role of Quantum Field Theory (QFT) in modern physics. We will highlight how QFT uses a reductionist perspective as a powerful quantitative tool relating phenomena at different length and energy scales. We will then discuss various examples motivated by string theory and lattice models that challenge this separation of scales and seem outside the standard framework of QFT. These lattice models include theories of fractons and other exotic systems.
Bio:
Nathan Seiberg is a theoretical physicist who has made significant contributions to what has been described as a revolution in fundamental physics. His research focuses on various aspects of string theory, quantum field theory, and particle physics. He has made deep contributions to the understanding of the dynamics of quantum field theories, especially two-dimensional conformal field theories and supersymmetric quantum field theories. His exact solutions of supersymmetric systems have uncovered many new and unexpected phenomena, including the fundamental role of electric-magnetic duality in these theories. These exact solutions have led to many applications in physics and in mathematics. Recently, he combined insights from his earlier work to shed new light on quantum field theories in three space-time dimensions, which are also of interest to condensed matter physics.
Nathan has been a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study since 1997, after serving previously at the Institute from 1982-85, 1987-89, and 1994-95. From 1985 to 1986, he was a Senior Scientist with the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, where he served as professor from 1986 to 1991. He taught at Rutgers University from 1989 to 1997. He has published articles in many journals, including Nuclear Physics and the Physical Review.
He received a B.Sc. (1977) from Tel Aviv University and a Ph.D. (1982) from the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Learn More:
See Nathan's faculty webpage here: https://phy.princeton.edu/people/nathan-seiberg and personal website here: NATHAN SEIBERG - School of Natural Sciences | Institute for Advanced Study
See his Institute for Advanced study page: Nathan Seiberg - Scholars | Institute for Advanced Study
View his videos:
Anamalous Continuous Translations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcGxdwutzRo
Topics in @2+1 Dimensional Quantum Field Theories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOwqE4-7rPM
What is Quantum Field Theory (QFT): https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/quantum-field-theory/
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Monday, March 24, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-03-24T16:00:00
2025-03-24T17:00:00
Interacting Galaxies in the IllustrisTNG Cosmological Simulations
Event Information:
Abstract:
Observational studies of galaxy pairs have shown that galaxy-galaxy interactions can alter numerous galaxies properties, such as star formation rates, active galactic nuclei (AGN) fractions and gas-phase metallicities. These effects have been predicted using idealized binary merger simulations, and can be attributed to inflows of gas that are triggered by gravitational and hydrodynamical interactions between the galaxies. Cosmological simulations provide an opportunity to see how changes in the properties of interacting galaxies arise within a cosmological context, with galaxy pairs spanning a wide range of masses, mass ratios, gas content, environments and orbits.
We have constructed several large, well-defined samples of interacting galaxies in the IllustrisTNG cosmological hydrodynamical simulations (TNG50, TNG100 and TNG300), along with control galaxies that are matched in stellar mass, redshift, local density and isolation. We find clear evidence of enhanced star formation rates in IllustrisTNG galaxy pairs, with the level and radial extent of these enhancements being consistent with those seen in galaxy pairs selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. By reconstructing the orbits of interacting galaxies in the TNG100 simulations, we find that close encounters trigger these enhancements, primarily via increased star formation efficiency rather than increased gas supply. These reconstructed orbits have also yielded new insights in the prevalence and timescales of close encounters and mergers.
Bio:
My primary research interests lie in the study of galaxy evolution, with a particular focus on the role of galaxy-galaxy interactions and mergers.
My collaborators and I have published an extensive series of articles on close galaxy pairs and post-merger galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, beginning with Ellison et al. (2008). As a core member of this collaboration, I have led studies on galaxy colours (Patton et al. 2011), star formation rates (Patton et al. 2013) and asymmetries (Patton et al. 2016). We have also used idealized merger simulations (e.g. Patton et al. 2013, Moreno et al. 2015, Moreno et al. 2021) to better understand the trends we have seen in observations. More recently, we have extended this line of research to cosmological simulations (especially IllustrisTNG), enabling a more direct comparison between observations and simulations of galaxy pairs (Patton et al. 2020) and post-mergers (Hani et al. 2020).
Learn More:
About galaxy pairs: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/galaxy-pairs
About Cosmological simulations of galaxy formation: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42254-019-0127-2
See his Trent University webpages here: https://dpatton.trentu-physics-astronomy.ca/
Read this article, "Trent Prof Part of International Research Team that Makes Galactic Discovery" here
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Friday, March 21, 2025 | 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-03-21T09:30:00
2025-03-21T17:00:00
ALMA cycle 12 Proposal Planning Workshop
Event Information:
Dear ASTRO folks,
This event is designed for all astronomers, with a particular goal to reach those that do not yet regularly utilize radio/millimeter data in their research. This one-day workshop will provide a primer on millimeter/radio interferometry and the basics of ALMA, a review of how to design and prepare successful ALMA proposals, and an overview of how best to take advantage of the latest resources developed by NRAO/ALMA (such as pipeline processing and simulating interferometric observations). An interactive session in the afternoon will offer a tutorial for preparing and submitting proposals with the ALMA Observing Tools, where attendees can start to build a foundation for their own Cycle 12 proposals (deadline April 24). Throughout the day, we will feature some of the latest science results from ALMA, including work from members of the McGill community, and offer a preview of the exciting new capabilities of ALMA coming in the next few years.
Topics:
ALMA capabilities
Wideband Sensitivity Upgrades
Intro to radio interferometry
Observing Tool, casa, almasim
Proposal writing tips
Canadian computing resources
A free catered lunch will be provided on-site for registered participants. While attendance for the full day is not required, we hope you will join us for as much of the day as you can. Registration is completely free, but please complete this registration form by March 17 (sooner is better!) so that we can plan for lunch and ensure that the workshop is best tailored to your interests.
RSVP: https://science.nrao.edu/facilities/alma/naasc-workshops/nrao-cd-ubc25
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Library (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St.
Vancouver V6B 6B1
Vancouver V6B 6B1
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2025-03-20T18:00:00
2025-03-20T19:30:00
Exoplanets - the Search for Habitable Planets in our Solar system
Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC's Department of Physics & Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from eclipses to space junk in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome!
How the Universe Works is a new partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Monthly talks are posted on the VPL events page here: Events | Vancouver Public Library | BiblioCommons. Please register to attend!
Abstract:
Discoveries of planets outside of the Solar System ("exoplanets") have exploded over the last couple decades, and exoplanet science is one of the fastest growing fields of astronomy today. This talk will cover how to find exoplanets, how to identify those that are potentially habitable, and how anyone can take part in the hunt - even you - from the comfort of your own home!
Bio:
Michelle Kunimoto is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UBC, where she also obtained her PhD. She was previously a postdoctoral fellow at MIT where she worked on NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. Dr. Kunimoto is an expert on discovering and characterizing strange new worlds outside of the Solar System, known as exoplanets. She aims to understand the demographics and diversity of exoplanets, especially those that are potentially habitable and Earth-like. Across all of her planet-hunting endeavours, Dr. Kunimoto has found over 3000 planets and planet candidates.
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Library (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St.
Vancouver V6B 6B1