Influential physicist/cosmologist Lisa Randall to explore current developments in science March 1 at College of DuPage
Examine how scientists decide what questions to study and how they go about finding the answers with Harvard University physics professor Lisa Randall at "Knocking on Heaven's Door: How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World" on Sunday, March 1, at College of DuPage.
The program begins at 4 p.m. at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.
Randall's presentation is sponsored by the College of DuPage Physics program.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to speak at COD," said COD Professor of Physics Tom Carter. "Not only is she an amazing theoretician, the disciplines she studies are fascinating and extremely important. She is on the forefront of crucial science that links the smallest and largest parts of the universe."
During the talk, Randall will discuss developments in physics that have the potential to fundamentally change humankind's understanding of the world.
She also will examine the role of risk, creativity, uncertainty, beauty and truth in scientific thinking.
A book signing will follow the presentation.
Randall's research into extra dimensions of space, particle physics and cosmology has made her one of the most important and cited theoretical physicists today, Carter said, adding that she also has contributed to making science more available and appealing to the general public.
"She's not your grandparents' physicist," he said. "She has changed significantly what people picture when they think of a physicist."
Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, Randall has appeared on a number of television shows, including "The Colbert Report," "The Daily Show" and "Charlie Rose. She is the author of "Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs: The Astounding Interconnectedness of the Universe," "Higgs Discovery: The Power of Empty Space," "Knocking on Heaven's Door: How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World" and "Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions."
Her research has been covered by The Economist, Forbes, The New York Times, Scientific American and Discover magazine.
Learn more about this event at www.cod.edu.
Tickets for this event are $20. Visit atthemac.org to purchase tickets.
Additional STEM events at COD include the free STEMinar "Artificial Intelligence for Science" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, by Argonne National Laboratory computer scientist Prasanna Balaprakash, and STEMCON, the College's annual interactive celebration of all things STEM from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25.
The goal of STEM at College of DuPage is to enhance the quality of STEM instructional and outreach programs and to help current and future students prepare for careers in STEM fields. COD offers a broad range of academic programs designed to provide students with the educational background and training needed to successfully pursue an advanced degree or career in STEM.