Kent Gee Forum: Lessons from Noise, Crackle to Calm

Photo by Ashlee Jarvis/BYU Photo

By Bitsy Tullis, June 03, 2025

This year’s Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, Kent Gee, delivered his forum address on the science of sound and how he and BYU students have contributed to significant research in the acoustics industry.

Gee is a professor of physics and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy which has led to in-depth research surrounding noise. In his address, he referenced how many of his students have written papers that have been published in top journals. Their research has recently earned national media attention and even garnered them nicknames like the “sonic detectives” from the New York Times.

Their latest work with NASA’s X-59 aircraft aims to make supersonic travel quieter — with “sonic thumps" replacing sonic booms.

“This revolutionary aircraft will soon be flown supersonically over communities to determine acceptability of a thump-thump sound predicted to be like distant thunder,” Gee explained.

Last fall, Gee’s acoustic team also measured the thunderous noise of the world’s most powerful rocket, exploring its impact on communities and the environment.

Photo by Ashlee Jarvis/BYU Photo

Throughout their research, they’ve shown that noise research isn’t just about decibels, but it’s about impact, intentionality and finding calm in a noisy world.

“I am confident that there are meaningful steps we each can take to tune out the crackle and find the calm… all for the benefit of the world," Gee said.

He demonstrated different hearing thresholds and decibels with explosive experiments illustrating sound-wave behavior. He highlighted how noise, whether environmental or emotional, can be harmful.

Gee encouraged listeners to view inner disruptions, such as imposter syndrome or self-doubt, as opportunities to more clearly tune in to what truly matters, especially when striving to follow Jesus Christ. He emphasized the spiritual necessity of finding quiet moments to hear God’s voice.

“I hope you’ll continue to make connections as to the impacts of all kinds of noise in our lives.'He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,'” Gee concluded.

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