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S. James Gates Jr., 2016 Math Is Key

S. James Gates Jr.

Gates is known for his pioneering work in supersymmetry and supergravity, areas closely related to string theory. Gates earned two bachelor of science degrees in physics and mathematics and his Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1984, Gates co-authored "Superspace, or One thousand and one lessons in supersymmetry," the first comprehensive book on supersymmetry, and joined the faculty at Maryland as an associate professor. Four years later, he became the first African American to hold an endowed chair in physics at a major U.S. research university.

The author of more than 200 research papers, Gates has been featured in dozens of video documentaries, including the PBS NOVA productions "The Elegant Universe" in 2003 and "Big Bang Machine" in 2015. For his contributions to science and research, he received the National Medal of Science from President Obama in 2013. Gates serves on the U.S. President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, the National Commission on Forensic Science, and the Maryland State Board of Education. He is a strong and highly visible advocate for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

Sono-astronomy: When The Cosmos Does The Wave It Does Wave Gravity

Presented on March 29, 2016 by Prof. S. James Gates, Distinguished University Professor and Director of the Center for String and Particle Theory at the University of Maryland, this presentation was a non-technical introduction to the subject of gravitation waves.

The talk begins by using illustrative means to unveil the mathematics that Einstein used to reach the conclusion that waves of gravity must exist just as do waves of light.

CGI will be essential to show the accessibility to Einstein's suggestion that has recently been seen by the LIGO (laser interferometric gravity-wave observatory) facility.

Video of talk: Sono-astronomy: When The Cosmos Does The Wave It Does Wave Gravity.

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