Events List for the Academic Year
Event Time:
Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
SFU Surrey (13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
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2025-03-08T10:00:00
2025-03-08T12:00:00
Saturday Morning Lectures
Event Information:
March 8 (SFU)10:00 Darren Grant (SFU): "Ghost chasing 101: opening a new window to the extreme Universe"11:10 Stephan Malbrunot (TRIUMF): "Unraveling mysteries and (broken) symmetries of the universe with radioactive molecules"
Event Location:
SFU Surrey (13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
Event Time:
Friday, March 7, 2025 | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Location:
UBC Hospital’s Koerner Pavilion, Level 1, Brain Research Centre conference room (in-person only)
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2025-03-07T13:00:00
2025-03-07T15:00:00
Characterizing white matter: Adventures with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging
Event Information:
Abstract:White matter in the central nervous system alters throughout the healthy lifespan as well as in disease. It is important to have non-invasive methods of characterizing white matter, such as through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), so that changes to white matter in disease can be better understood. White matter is complex, and different quantitative MRI measures are sensitive to different aspects of its microstructure. In this thesis, I explored five MRI measures to characterize white matter: myelin water fraction (MWF), fractional anisotropy (FA), microscopic fractional anisotropy (µFA), a measure of tissue heterogeneity (CMD) and the magnetization transfer (MT) ratio.
I first investigated the relationship between MWF (from myelin water imaging) and FA, µFA and CMD (from tensor-valued diffusion imaging) in twenty-five healthy volunteers through correlation analysis and tract profiling, and created atlases of these measures. I also characterised the measures in five example cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), to explore how they varied in pathology. I determined from this initial investigation that MWF, µFA and CMD would be useful to explore both healthy and pathological tissue.
Next, I developed a data-driven tissue classification framework to classify tissue using only quantitative MRI measures and no spatial input, called Clustering for Anatomical Quantification and Evaluation (CAQE). In this framework, quantitative MRI measures from multiple healthy subjects were used to derive tissue classifications with specific microstructural signatures. I clustered MWF, µFA and CMD data from twenty-five healthy controls to create a classification scheme where clusters placed themselves into anatomically similar locations in healthy people even without spatial input. I applied the classification scheme to twenty-five people with MS and found regions of changes in white matter tissue classifications that were correlated with cognitive ability.
Finally, I developed MT imaging for characterizing white matter on a new point-of-care ultra-low field 64 mT scanner, to enable myelin-sensitive monitoring in demyelinating diseases such as MS. I did this using an on-resonance approach with steady state free precession imaging, validated the approach in phantoms, assessed its reproducibility, and demonstrated it in a person with MS.
Event Location:
UBC Hospital’s Koerner Pavilion, Level 1, Brain Research Centre conference room (in-person only)
Event Time:
Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-03-06T16:00:00
2025-03-06T17:00:00
The Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment
Event Information:
Abstract: Every time researchers have pushed the energy boundary in particle physics we have found something new about our Universe. Recently, IceCube has demonstrated that Neutrino Telescopes can use neutrinos from the cosmos as excellent tools to continue this exploration. To unlock the true potential of this field, advanced detectors are needed that will push the forefront of the cosmic frontier, revealing new knowledge of extreme astrophysical phenomena, including through multi-messenger follow-up programs, and testing fundamental physics at scales well beyond those reachable by Earth-bound accelerators. We aim to construct one of the largest neutrino telescopes deep in the northern Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia, the Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment (P-ONE). The first detector line is planned to be deployed this year - marking the start of an exciting phase for this new project. In this talk I will cover results from early pathfinder missions and discuss the status of P-ONE.
Bio:
Matthias Danninger is an Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University. In his research, he uses the ATLAS detector to search for signs of long-lived new particle signatures. This is challenging because these particles have a tendency to avoid interactions and can easily elude detection. Against this backdrop, he and his research team are trying to shed light on the universe’s biggest remaining mysteries: why matter prevailed over anti-matter in the early universe and what exactly dark matter is.
Matthias received his first physics education at the University of Canterbury. He completed a Diploma in Physics in 2008 (equivalent to MSc) at the Technical University of Munich, received his PhD in 2013 from Stockholm University, and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at UBC from 2013-19. He is currently Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Experimental Particle Physics.
His research interests include subatomic particle physics, the high energy frontier (ATLAS experiment), searches for physics beyond the Standard Model (Dark Matter and Long-Lived Particles), tracking detectors (track-, vertex-, and event-reconstruction techniques), Astroparticle physics and neutrino physics, and global statistical fits.
Learn More:
See his SFU faculty webpage here: https://www.sfu.ca/physics/people/faculty/mdanning.html
Read SFU news article, "SFU scientists working to build neutrino telescope to provide a new window into the universe": https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/stories/2024/09/sfu-scientists-working-to-build-neutrino-telescope-to-provide-a-.html
See him speak on the Saturday Morning Lectures here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7GrPcQTiU
What is the Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzmCbos0RNU
Event Location:
HENN 201
Event Time:
Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200 (in the atrium outside of the classroom)
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2025-03-06T15:00:00
2025-03-06T16:00:00
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:
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-03-05T14:00:00
2025-03-05T15:00:00
Workshop: UBC Discrimination Policy
Event Information:
Dear PHAS Community,The PHAS EDI committee in coordination with the Head, is coordinating a series of presentations. Our next one is happening this week and is open to everyone (faculty, staff, post docs, RAs, graduate and undergraduate students):
Wednesday, March 5, 2PM-3PM, in Henn 318: UBC Discrimination Policy, by Nicole Gareau-Wilson, Human Rights Advisor at the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office (EIO)
We hope to see many of you at these events.
Thank you very much
The PHAS EDI committee___UBC DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Nicole Gareau-Wilson, Human Rights Advisor at the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office, will provide an overview of UBC’s Discrimination Policy (and BC’s Human Rights Code) and the 15 protected grounds (such as disability, sex, etc.). Nicole will also review the resources and funding that the Equity and Inclusion Office can provide to units and explain how Human Rights Advisors can connect confidentially with students, staff, and faculty who have questions or need support. Nicole will then address unit-specific questions and provide time for additional questions after the presentation.
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Monday, March 3, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-03-03T16:00:00
2025-03-03T17:00:00
Observational Cosmology Today
Event Information:
Abstract:
I will present an overview of the state of observational cosmology, with an emphasis on what we can learn about fundamental physics by treating the universe as a giant - but uncontrolled - physics laboratory. Most of the emphasis will be on cosmic microwave background observations: what they have told us to date, and what we might still learn in the coming decade. I will also discuss how other probes of large scale structure and expansion history additionally constrain the standard model of cosmology, and *perhaps* point to extensions beyond the standard model.
Bio:
Gary F. Hinshaw (born in San Rafael, California) is a cosmologist and physics professor at the University of British Columbia. Hinshaw worked on the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) whose observations of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) have provided significant insights into cosmology.
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Saturday, March 1, 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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2025-03-01T10:00:00
2025-03-01T12:00:00
Saturday Morning Lectures
Event Information:
March 1 (TRIUMF)10:00 Chris Charles (TRIUMF): "Particle Accelerator Chemistry: Radiolytic Production of Organic Molecules and Emergence of Life in Extreme Planetary Environments"11:10 Darren Grant (SFU): "Ghost chasing 101: opening a new window to the extreme Universe"
Event Location:
TRIUMF - Main Office Building Auditorium (4004 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver, BC / V6T 2A3)
Event Time:
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Event Location:
HENNINGS building
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2025-03-01T09:00:00
2025-03-01T17:30:00
47th Physics Olympics
Event Information:
Welcome to the Physics Olympics!
We welcome you, high school students and teachers!
The Physics Olympics High School competition is one of the largest physics events in Canada.
This annual competition, hosted by the Department of Physics & Astronomy Outreach and the UBC Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy, invites hundreds of high school students and their teachers from across British Columbia to compete in six physics & astronomy events. The high school team with the highest overall score receives a trophy for their school, as well as other awards. Up to five students from a team can participate in any given event, and different students from a team can participate in different events. As such, teams may have between 1 and 30 students.
Events include: two pre-build projects, two labs, one Fermi questions event and Quizzics!: a game-show style physics question event.
More details will be posted soon on our website: Welcome to UBC Physics Olympics Website | UBC Physics Olympics
Event Location:
HENNINGS building
Event Time:
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-02-27T16:00:00
2025-02-27T17:00:00
Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Event Information:
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience.
3MT was developed by The University of Queensland in 2008, and is now held at many countries around the world.
UBC was one of the first universities in North America to host a 3MT competition, when it held the inaugural 3MT @UBC in 2011. Every year heats are held across campus beginning in February, with winners moving on to the UBC-wide Semi-Finals and Finals in March.
The inaugural Canadian national virtual competition was held in June 2014, allowing winners from several universities in Canada to compete in a virtual competition.
The assistance of the University of Queensland in launching this 3MT competition at UBC is very much appreciated.
Come see our students compete!
Students register here: https://phas.ubc.ca/~janis/3MT/
Event Location:
HENN 201
Event Time:
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200 (in the atrium outside of the classroom)
Add to Calendar
2025-02-27T15:00:00
2025-02-27T16:00:00
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:
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
Add to Calendar
2025-02-25T16:00:00
2025-02-25T17:00:00
Spin dynamics with materials, atoms, and quantum computers: from Heisenberg chains at infinite temperature to emergent gauge fields on the triangular lattice
Event Information:
Welcome to the fourth talk in our new Pioneers in Theoretical Physics Colloqium Series.
On February 25th, we present Dr. Joel Moore, the Chern-Simons Professor of Physics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Senior Faculty Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Abstract:
One of the first nontrivial examples of quantum matter to be understood at equilibrium was the behavior of a chain of two-state spins, or qubits, entangled by nearest-neighbor interactions. Hans Bethe’s solution of the ground state in 1931 eventually led to the concept of Yang-Baxter integrability, and the thermodynamics were fully understood in the 1970s. However, the dynamical properties of this spin chain at any nonzero temperature remained perplexing until some unexpected theoretical and experimental progress beginning around 2019. Atomic emulators and quantum computers are beginning to complement solid-state quantum magnetism experiments, and computer scientists, physicists, and mathematicians all have their own reasons to care about the dynamics of simple arrangements of quantum spins. The last part of the talk covers how dynamics of more complicated spin models in higher dimensions are being used to search for emergent gauge fields in quantum matter.
Bio:
Joel Moore received his Ph.D. from MIT in 2001 and joined UC Berkeley and LBNL in 2002 after a postdoc at Bell Labs Lucent Technologies. He was promoted to tenure in 2007 and is currently the Chern-Simons Professor of Mathematical Physics. His work is primarily on the theory of correlated and topological states of electrons in solids, with applications to their transport, optical, and quantum coherent properties. Areas of his scientific contributions include the theory of topological phases and their electromagnetic responses, the role of quantum entanglement in understanding quantum matter analytically and computationally, and the nature of coherent quantum dynamics in many-body systems. He has been an NSF CAREER and Fulbright grantee and is an elected Member of the NAS, a Fellow of the APS, and a Simons Investigator. He has more than 150 scientific publications with a total of more than 20,000 citations, including a recent book on topological phases of matter co-authored with Roderich Moessner. He is former chair of the science advisory board for the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics and has chaired or co-chaired reports for the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation.
Learn More:
See his faculty webpage here: Joel Moore | Physics
View his research page here: Joel Moore | Research UC Berkeley
Watch his videos:
Quantum Magnetism as a source of unusual fluids and fractional particles
Topological Order and Quantum Computation
J. Moore: Lecture 1: Introduction to Topological Phases of Electrons
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Monday, February 24, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-02-24T16:00:00
2025-02-24T17:00:00
Not of this Earth - the new era of high-energy neutrino astrophysics
Event Information:
Abstract:
Over more than a decade, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory has accumulated enormous datasets of neutrinos with energies in the GeV- to PeV-scale, opening a new window with which to observe the extreme Universe. In this talk I will discuss the latest IceCube results, and provide a look forward of what to expect from the next generation of neutrino telescopes, including the Canada-based Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment.
Bio:
Darren's research focuses on measurements to advance knowledge of neutrinos—one of nature’s most elusive fundamental particles—as well as direct and indirect searches for the elusive dark matter.
Grant’s work contributes to the understanding of the universe and our place in it. Their CERC supports three areas of innovation: data analyses of Antarctica’s IceCube Neutrino Observatory; the development of next generation detectors for large-scale neutrino observatories; and enhancing the reach of observations that involve multiple astrophysical messengers.
This work will provide the catalyst to establish an international centre in British Columbia and have substantial impact on the international particle physics arena, cementing Canada’s leadership in the field of multi-messenger neutrino astrophysics.
Learn More:
See his faculty webpage here: Darren Grant - Department of Physics - Simon Fraser University
See his Canada Excellence Research Chair in Astroparticle Physics page here: Canada Excellence Research Chairs - Home
Read about the IceCube Observatory: IceCube – IceCube Neutrino Observatory
What is the extreme universe? Extreme Universe
What are the next generation of neutrino telescopes? See articles here https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02087-6 and here Record-setting neutrino opens ‘new energy window on the universe’ | Science | AAAS
Peruse through the IceCube gallery here: Detector – IceCube
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Monday, February 24, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-02-24T11:00:00
2025-02-24T12:00:00
Responding to Disclosures
Event Information:
Abstract:
Our Responding to Disclosures program helps participants develop trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches for supporting individuals who have experienced or been impacted by sexual and/or gender-based violence. It highlights the impacts of trauma on the nervous system and ways in which trauma responses may affect a person’s ability to perform day-to-day functions. This program draws on best practices developed through decades of community activism and research in the anti-violence field. The goal of this workshop is to learn how to mitigate the impacts of violence and minimize the potential for re-traumatization.In this session, we will talk about:* How to respond to disclosures of sexual and gender-based violence with empathy* The UBC's Sexual Misconduct Policy;* Confidentiality and/or privacy practices;* Collective and individual healing; and* SVPRO support and resources.
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver / V6B 6B1
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2025-02-20T18:00:00
2025-02-20T19:30:00
Eclipses - Lunar Eclipse 2025
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:
In light of the upcoming lunar eclipse on March 13-14, we’ll dive into the fascinating science behind both lunar and solar eclipses, exploring the unique geometry of our solar system that makes these celestial events possible. Since both types of eclipses can be observed without modern, complex optical instruments, we’ll take a brief look at the rich history of eclipse watching, spanning more than 2000 years, showing that this fascination is far from a recent craze. We’ll then look ahead to the eclipse of 2025 with practical tips for observing, including guidance on choosing the ideal viewing location.
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.
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver / V6B 6B1
Event Time:
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
BRIM 311
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2025-02-20T10:00:00
2025-02-20T11:00:00
The computational power of random quantum circuits in arbitrary geometries
Event Information:
Empirical evidence for a gap between the computational powers of classical and quantum computers has been provided by experiments that sample the output distributions of two-dimensional quantum circuits. Many attempts to close this gap have utilized classical simulations based on tensor network techniques, and their limitations shed light on the improvements to quantum hardware required to frustrate classical simulability. In particular, quantum computers having in excess of ∼50 qubits are primarily vulnerable to classical simulation due to restrictions on their gate fidelity and their connectivity, the latter determining how many gates are required (and therefore how much infidelity is suffered) in generating highly-entangled states. Here, we describe recent hardware upgrades to Quantinuum's H2 quantum computer enabling it to operate on up to 56 qubits with arbitrary connectivity and 99.843(5)% two-qubit gate fidelity. Utilizing the flexible connectivity of H2, we present data from random circuit sampling in highly connected geometries, doing so at unprecedented fidelities and a scale that appears to be beyond the capabilities of state-of-the-art classical algorithms. The considerable difficulty of classically simulating H2 is likely limited only by qubit number, demonstrating the promise and scalability of the QCCD architecture as continued progress is made towards building larger machines.
Event Location:
BRIM 311
Event Time:
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200
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2025-02-12T17:30:00
2025-02-12T19:30:00
Science Slam!
Event Information:
Join us for this thrilling and educational science communication contest, showcasing six undergraduate student presenters explaining complex physics and astronomy topics without the use of academic or technical language/slides.
Clear science communication is the bridge that brings science to the world. Be inspired by our students as they share their knowledge of physics and astronomy with you!
High school student, parents and families are most welcome. PHAS undergrads, come cheer on your peers!
Department of Physics & Astronomy faculty and staff advisors will be in attendance for questions after the event.
Register for this FREE event here, or via the QR code below:
Event Location:
HENN 200
Event Time:
Monday, February 10, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
Add to Calendar
2025-02-10T16:00:00
2025-02-10T17:00:00
Two Talks: "Star formation suppression in nearby galaxy bulges: gas dynamics, supermassive black hole feedback, and more"; and "Raining Glass: Our HST Conundrum"
Event Information:
Speaker: Anan Lu:
Title: Star formation suppression in nearby galaxy bulges: gas dynamics, supermassive black hole feedback, and more
Abstract: Star formation is one of the key processes that govern galaxy evolution. Star formation efficiency has been shown to vary across different environments, particularly within galactic starbursts and deep within the bulges of galaxies. The bulges of galaxies share similar environments with elliptical galaxies, with rich molecular gas reservoirs but scarce star formation. With the capabilities of modern radio telescopes (such as ALMA), we can now spatially resolve the birthplace of massive star clusters, giant molecular clouds, in galaxies up to ~80 Mpc away. We can also measure the spatially resolved star formation rate and study ionized gas properties at comparable resolution, using integral field units (such as SITELLE at CFHT). In this talk, I will present observations of a sample of elliptical or bulge-dominated galaxies. I will illustrate that star formation in this particular environment is indeed suppressed: ionized gas does not entirely trace star formation, while molecular gas properties deviate from those in star forming galaxies. Many processes are responsible for the star formation suppression, including the gravitational potential of the bulge itself and feedback from supermassive black holes.
Bio:
Anan Lu grew up in Nanjing, China and moved to Montreal in 2011. She received her Master's in Mechanical Engineering in 2020 and is now working towards a PhD in Astrophysics. She is currently studying star formation efficiency near the centers of galaxies, focusing on bulges and nuclear rings.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Speaker: Joanne Armstrong
Title: Raining Glass: Our HST Conundrum
Abstract: The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has provided invaluable astronomical data to the world ever since its launch in 1990. Now, almost 35 years later, its control systems are failing, and without its own propulsion, its orbit continues to decay. When launched, it was assumed that a Space Shuttle would be used to collect HST when the time came to remove it from orbit. But with the cancellation of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 and no clear plan for reboost or recovery, the 12,000 kg telescope is stranded in low Earth orbit. Without intervention, HST will undergo an uncontrolled reentry around 2037, scattering debris and glass from its mirrors over the Earth and threatening people on land, at sea, and in the air. The loss of the ability to prevent HST from experiencing this fate may be much sooner. I will discuss the problems associated with HST’s upcoming deorbit, highlight the necessity of intervention, and explore possible next steps.
Bio:
Joanne is a Research Assistant and Junior Fellow with the Outer Space Institute.
Learn More:
See Anan Lu's personal website here: Intro - Anan Lu
Find Joanne on the Outer Space Institute website here: People – Outer Space Institute
Read about the Hubble Telescope: Hubble Home | HubbleSite
Learn more about Star formation and elliptical or bulge-dominated galaxies
Read this article about Elliptical galaxies from space.com: Elliptical Galaxies | Space
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
SFU (Surrey: 13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
Add to Calendar
2025-02-08T10:00:00
2025-02-08T12:00:00
Saturday Morning Lectures
Event Information:
February 8 (SFU)10:00 Chris Charles (TRIUMF): "Particle Accelerator Chemistry: Radiolytic Production of Organic Molecules and Emergence of Life in Extreme Planetary Environments"11:10 Anan Lu (UBC): "Observing galaxies in our nearby universe"
Event Location:
SFU (Surrey: 13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
Event Time:
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-02-06T16:00:00
2025-02-06T17:00:00
Ultrafast laser control of particles and quasiparticles in superfluid helium
Event Information:
Abstract:
In atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO), laser light is used to control the motion of atoms and molecules. These techniques have been very successful in probing quantum media, where the embedded atoms and molecules interact with complex many-body environments. I will discuss how we extend laser-assisted control to the study of superfluid helium, using ultrafast lasers — including a unique tool known as an optical centrifuge — to manipulate both molecular impurities and quasiparticles such as rotons. This approach provides a powerful tool to explore the ultrafast non-equilibrium dynamics of superfluid helium at a microscopic level.
Bio:
Valery has been a faculty member in the PHAS department since 2010, conducting research in Ultrafast Quantum Coherent Control. His work focuses on using high-power ultrashort laser pulses—often shaped into a unique field known as an 'optical centrifuge'—to control the motion of atoms and molecules. This approach enables the creation of exotic molecular 'super-rotors' and the study of their interactions with one another, as well as with the surrounding quantum environment. Beyond research, Valery is a passionate STEM educator and an active advocate for science outreach.
Learn More:• See his PHAS faculty page here: vmilner | UBC Physics & Astronomy• Read his research website here: About us | Ultrafast Coherent Control Group• Explore his STEM outreach: Physics Olympics
Event Location:
HENN 201
Event Time:
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200 (Atrium outside the classroom)
Add to Calendar
2025-02-06T15:00:00
2025-02-06T16:00:00
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 (Atrium outside the classroom)