Department of Physics & Astronomy Colloquia

Hilbun 150, 125 Hilbun Hall, Mississippi State University

Mondays at 3:30 PM

May 1, 2019$☆$ Dr. Gloria Buendia, Department of Physics, University of Simon Bolivar, Caracas, Venezuela

  Numerical Simulations : a huge spectrum of applications

  Host: Dr. Mark Novotny

  Abstract:

       Numerical simulations are powerful tools to study complex systems. In this talk I will give three examples of how physicists apply them to study completely different problems. First I’ll show how Monte Carlo simulations techniques can be applied to improve the efficiency and strength of power grids. Second, just for fun, I’ll show how very simple models can be constructed to explore the complex world of social interactions, such as the development of consensus between individuals. Finally I’ll show how some aspects of catalytic processes on surfaces can be reproduced by numerical models, that at the same time give us some insight on the still unknown field of statistical mechanics of non-equilibrium systems.

April 29, 2019 Dr. Amy Jones, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Alabama

  Studying Warm, Diffuse Gas in the Outskirts of Galaxies

  Host: Dr. Angelle Tanner

  Abstract:

       Surrounding most galaxies is large amount of gas that extends much farther than the galaxy. Studying this gas is important for resolving the missing baryons problem and understanding how galaxies evolve. At the disk-halo interface where the gas is falling onto or being blown away from the galaxy is a critical transition zone which has been poorly studied. The warm and ionized component of this gas is faint and diffuse and hence difficult to study. Only a handful of nearby galaxies have been studied in detail. By stacking multiple similar galaxies, we can clearly detect this extra-planar gas out to several kpc (including the disk-halo interface). I will introduce the SDSS-IV MaNGA survey that we use for this study and how we split this sample into many subsamples to see how the gas properties (e.g. temperature, density, ionization state) depend on the host galaxy properties (e.g. morphological type, star formation rate). I will show some preliminary results and discuss a future survey of SDSS-V, called LVM.

March 18, 2019 Dr. Eric Brewe, Department of Physics, Drexel University

  Engaging Students in Modeling Instruction

  Host: Dr. Dipangkar Dutta

  Abstract:

       Physics Education Research is both about improving instruction and understanding the fundamentals of what learning is and how learning manifests in its many forms. In this talk I describe the development of Modeling Instruction (MI) for University Physics as a research endeavor into improving instruction. Modeling is built on the idea that all science proceeds through an iterative process of model development, evaluation, deployment, and revision. Accordingly, effective science instruction should promote the development of modeling skills by engaging students in the practices of modeling. I describe research within the context of MI classes as the basis for understanding learning broadly. Over the course of this talk I will summarize the theoretical foundations for MI, and describe research that translates the theory into practice in the MI classroom. Drawing on the MI classroom as a context for research, I will report on findings including: improved conceptual understanding, positive attitudinal shifts, the growth of student networks, and even changes to the neurobiology that underpins physics reasoning. Finally, I will describe how these research findings drive further questions and understanding of learning generally.

For information about the promoted modeling instruction, which is suitable for all STEM disciplines, visit this website: University Modeling Instruction

March 6, 2019 Dr. Yong-Le Pan, US Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD

  Engaging Students in Modeling Instruction

  Host: Dr. Chuji Wang

  Abstract:

       Talk will be focused on the development of real-time, in-situ aerosol detection and characterization systems, mainly based on single particle fluorescence spectra, two-dimensional angular optical scattering patterns, and Raman spectroscopy, especially the recent work on universal laser-trapping system for airborne aerosol particles, and the new results from time- and position-resolved Raman spectroscopy of single laser-trapped airborne chemical droplet.

 Feb. 18, 2019 Dr. Jinwu Ye, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Mississippi State University

  Why Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) models ?

  Host: Dr. Ben Crider

  Abstract:

       We will first review the recent dramatic progress in SYK models and its impacts in quantum gravity, condensed matter physics and quantum information science. Then we will discuss the results achived in our recent preprints such as

      (1) Several new features of the two indices SYK models such as its quantum spin glass instabilities, new operator contents, its possible new gravity dual etc.

      (2) Quantum chaos and quantum analog of Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser theorem in various hybrid SYK models

      (3) Random matrix classifications of quantum chaos in Colored SYK models and its possible connections to the classifications of topological phases of matter.

Feb. 15, 2019$☆$ Dr. Hannah Jang-Condell, Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Wyoming

  From Protoplanetary Disks to Exoplanets: Characterizing Planets from Infancy to Maturity

  Host: Dr. Angelle Tanner

  Abstract:

       Exoplanets have been discovered in orbits as close as 0.05 AU, and as distant as hundreds of AU. Hence, exoplanets are a hot topic, and they are also pretty cool. One way to better understand planetary systems is to study their origins. Gas-rich protoplanetary disks represent early stages of planet formation, when gas giants form. Gas-free debris disks represent later stages of planet formation, when terrestrial planets might form. Dynamical interactions between disks and embedded planets sculpt the disks' structure, creating signatures of active planet formation that may be potentially observable. Observations of these signatures enable insights into where, when, and how planets form. In this talk, I will discuss ongoing and upcoming projects designed to help interpret images of disks in various stages. I will also discuss projects using the University of Wyoming's telescope facilities to observe and characterize fully formed exoplanets, adding to our better understanding of exoplanets in general.

Sept. 13, 2018$☆$ Dr. Alan M. Nathan, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  Recent Advances in the Physics of Baseball

  Host: Dr. James Dunne

  Abstract:

       After reading Bob Adair's classic book The Physics of Baseball over 20 years ago, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the subject. Since then I have learned much, much more, due in large part to some superb tools that are now available, allowing detailed studies that were not available to Adair at the time he wrote his book. The advances have come in two broad areas: The aerodynamics of a baseball in flight and the physics of the ball-bat collision. Not only have these advances furthered our understanding of the physics, but they have also had a practical application to the game itself. I will give several examples, including some of the following:

             What is the role of the batter's grip during the ball-bat collision?

             How do atmospheric conditions affect the flight of the baseball?

             Why the recent surge in home runs?

             What's the deal with the humidor?

        I will sprinkle the talk with amusing high-speed videos and ancectotes about our national pastime. So, the talk should have something for everybody, whether your interest is primarily physics, baseball, or the intersection between them.

2018-2019 Committee