A Conversation on Being WISE:
Women in Science And Engineering

Friday November 9th @ 11:30 am (UHB 2034)

A public forum and discussion led by Roberta Humpreys, a highly respected astronomer who has been active in a number of different rolls influencing US national science policy. As an Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Minnesota, she was responsible for the Program for Women in the Institute of Technology.

Humphreys’ brown bag seminar will focus on how women succeed professionally in scientific fields. Rather than lecturing, she will outline her own experiences, as well as issues that women regularly encounter in academia and science, then let audience interest determine the rest of the conversation. Young women considering careers in science, as well as anyone with an interest in gender equity, are especially encouraged to attend.

The Violent Supernova Imposter

Friday November 9th @ 7:30 pm (UHB 2008)

Kris Davidson’s work and ideas have revolutionized both professional and public understanding of the most massive stars in our universe. His lecture — for anyone, at any age level, with at least a casual interest in astronomy — will explore the “supernova impostor” phenomenon.

While millions of stars end in supernova explosions, a few massive stars, such as Eta Carinae, experience violent outbursts that rival supernovae in brightness, but that somehow do not destroy the star. Davidson will discuss Eta Carinae’s history, why it’s important for science, and how it exemplifies the impact that the Hubble Space Telescope has had on astronomy.