Dr. Federica Bianco
Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
University of Delaware
Bringing the Stars to the People
Abstract: In a time when skepticism toward science runs high and trust in those who devote their lives to learning and teaching runs low, astrophysics continues to offer an invaluable opportunity for engagement and an inroad to teaching critical thinking. For many years, astrophysics has led the way in open-data, opening a path for students and citizens to participate in the discovery process with public datasets and accessible tools. With the Vera C. Rubin Observatory around the corner, we continue to push for the democratization of the night sky and open doors to involvement in the scientific process. I want to invite us to reflect together on how the stories of the universe can become the stories of our classrooms. In an era of skepticism, astrophysics offers something rare: a subject that invites wonder, demands evidence, and humbles us all before the scale of what we have yet to understand. While human-made satellites are changing the night sky, new facilities are recording movies of the cosmos, poised to transform our understanding of the universe, and we are reminded that discovery is ongoing—and that the most profound lessons may not be the answers we give, but the questions we learn to ask.
Bio: Dr. Federica Bianco is an Associate Professor at the University of Delaware in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and Biden School of Public Policy & Administration, a Resident Faculty in the University of Delaware Data Science Institute. She served as Science Collaborations Coordinator for the 2000+ member Rubin LSST Science Collaborations and as Deputy Project Scientist for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory Construction Project. She works on data-driven solutions to problems that span from the nature of explosions in the sky to delays in the justice system. Federica’s core research portfolio studies lightcurves, time series of light, in astronomy to understand stellar evolution and cosmology, and in the urban environment to enable sociological, ecological, and economic inference, and in the development of innovative data analysis solutions for astrophysical surveys. While her core research is in astrophysics, she is an author of scholarly work in geography, sociology, and health sciences. Federica is also a TED fellow and a former Professional Boxer.
Dr. Gretchen Campbell
Associate Vice President
for Quantum Research and Education, University of Maryland College Park
Building A Quantum-Ready Workforce
Abstract: Quantum Information Science has advanced rapidly in the last 20 years, with applications spanning computing, sensing and networking. In 2018 the Congress passed the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA), which highlighted the urgent need for a skilled workforce in these areas. Since that time, much of the national investment has focused on graduate education, postdoctoral training, and research centers. While these areas continue to be vital, the quantum community is increasingly thinking about ways to strengthen the undergraduate pipeline, and create a broader awareness of quantum science including K–12 engagement, teacher professional development, community college partnerships, and industry- and lab-connected training. In this talk, I will discuss my own pathway to quantum science, and discuss the regional and national landscape for Quantum Education and Outreach efforts.
Bio: Dr. Gretchen Campbell
