Dragonfly: The Mission to Saturn's Moon Titan
Jason W. Barnes
University of Idaho
Friday, January 24, 12:00 PM, C215 ESC
Abstract:
Biographical Sketch:
Professor Barnes studies the physics of planets and planetary systems. He uses NASA spacecraft data to study planets that orbit stars other than the Sun. He also studies the composition and nature of the surface of Saturn's moon Titan. He is deputy principal investigator on the Dragonfly mission proposal to NASA, which would send a robotic rotorcraft lander to explore Titan.
Biophysics
Eric Gibbs
Case Western State University
Friday, February 14, 12:00 PM, C215 ESC
Abstract:
Dr. Gibbs studies the structure of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels to understand the molecular underpinnings of channel physiology and address associated pathology.
Biographical Sketch:
Clouds and atmospheric physics
Raymond A. Shaw
Michigan Tech University
Friday, February 28, 12:00 PM, C215 ESC
Abstract:
Dr. Shaw's research involves the physics of the earth's atmosphere, with an emphasis on clouds and experimental tools for studying clouds. Clouds are transient collections of particles that interact strongly with visible radiation: they are transient in the sense that the particles in a cloud are continuously evolving in size and thermodynamic phase (liquid versus ice), and the cloud itself dissipating if the particles are not continuously "fed" through atmospheric motions or radiative cooling. Research in Shaw's group has focused on understanding the influence of turbulence on cloud particle growth through condensation and collisions, and on understanding the nucleation process through which ice forms from liquid water. Shaw's group is actively involved in the development of methods for studying clouds in controlled conditions in the laboratory as well as in the atmosphere itself. For example, digital holography is applied to particle tracking in turbulent laboratory clouds, and to measurement of particle size distributions in clouds sampled by research aircraft.
Biographical Sketch:
Alumni Event
Alumni Event
Friday, March 7, 12:00 PM, C215 ESC
Abstract:
Biographical Sketch:
Cryo-EM
Gunnar Schroeder
Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf
Friday, March 28, 12:00 PM, C215 ESC
Abstract:
Professor Schroeder works on both the application of cryo-EM for biomolecular structure determination and also the development of computational tools for cryo-EM. His focus is to determine of structures of amyloid fibrils in collaboration with colleagues at the ICS-6 in Jülich and the IPB in Düsseldorf. Amyloid fibrils play a significant role in many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers or Parkinsons disease.
Biographical Sketch:
Nuclear Engineering
Taylor Kimball
University of Utah
Friday, April 4, 12:00 PM, C215 ESC
Abstract:
Kimball’s innovative work introduces a new method to create calibration standards for use in radiation detectors at radioxenon measurement labs, which support the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). His research supports the CTBT by providing better tools for detecting nuclear explosions, ensuring more accurate monitoring and compliance with the treaty.
Biographical Sketch:
We welcome anyone who wish to attend, and typically serve refreshments ten minutes before the colloquium begins. Speakers generally keep their presentation accessible to undergraduate physics students.