Dr. Elise Novitski, University of Washington

Title: A new approach to measuring neutrino mass

Abstract: Of all the fundamental fermion masses, those of the neutrinos alone remain unmeasured. From their unknown origin to their effects on the evolution of the universe, neutrino masses are of interest across cosmology, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Neutrino oscillation experiments have set a non-zero lower limit on the mass scale, in contradiction to the original Standard Model prediction. To measure neutrino mass precisely and directly one must turn to beta decay and search for a telltale distortion in the spectrum. I will describe a new technique called Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy (CRES), in which beta decay of tritium occurs in a magnetic field and each electron's ~1 fW of cyclotron radiation is directly detected. Electron energies are then determined via a relativistic relationship between energy and frequency. I will present the first CRES-based mass limits from the Project 8 experiment, which demonstrate the promise of this technique for surmounting the systematic and statistical barriers that currently limit the precision of direct neutrino mass measurements. I will also describe the next steps on the path to sensitivity to a mass of 40 meV/c^2, covering the entire inverted ordering of neutrino masses

Title: The Birth of New Stars

Abstract: TBA

Title: Science in Art, Science as Art

Abstract: TBA

Title: Comet 3I/Atlas: Our Interstellar Visitor

Abstract: TBA

Title: Our Expanding Universe: What Lies Ahead?

Abstract: Our Universe is expanding at an increasing rate. What does the future hold? What will be here one billion years from now? A trillion years from now?.

Zoom Link: https://uky.zoom.us/j/88994568052

YouTube Link: You can find information about the impending nova, T Coronae Borealis, here- https://observatory.as.uky.edu/t-crb

• Star Trails at Raven Run.jpg
• (PDF maps on this page were created using Guide 9)

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Dr. Paul Torrey, University of Virginia

Title: Simulating the Universe: From Illustris to DREAMS

Abstract: Over the past few decades, cosmological simulations have revolutionized how we study galaxy formation and the large-scale structure of the universe. By combining advances in computational methods, physical modeling and high-performance computing, these simulations now allow us to trace the evolution of cosmic structure from the earliest moments after the Big Bang to the richly structured galaxies we observe today. 

Projects such as Illustris and IllustrisTNG have provided detailed, physically grounded predictions for how galaxies form and evolve, capturing the interplay among dark matter, gas dynamics, star formation and feedback from supermassive black holes. The publicly released data from these simulations have become a cornerstone of modern extragalactic astrophysics, powering thousands of scientific studies worldwide and shaping how we interpret observations across wavelengths and cosmic time. 

In this talk, I will highlight some of the key insights these simulations have revealed, emphasizing both their predictive successes and the limits of our current physical understanding. I will also discuss how new approaches, specifically the DREAMS simulation framework, are enabling us to quantify uncertainty across large, high-resolved cosmological ensembles, transforming simulations from single “best guess” models into powerful statistical laboratories for testing theories of galaxy formation.

Dr. Hendrik Schatz, Michigan State University

Title: Rare Isotopes in the Cosmos

Abstract: Atomic nuclei with short lifetimes of fractions of seconds, so called rare isotopes, play an important role in the universe despite their fleeting existence. They serve as stepping stones for the synthesis of chemical elements, they shape the nature of stellar explosions, and they are the major constituents of neutron stars. I will give an overview of the role of rare isotopes in the cosmos and recent efforts to study astrophysical reactions involving rare isotopes at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University. As an example, I will discuss accreting neutron stars. These systems are among the brightest X-ray sources in the sky and exhibit an extraordinay range of rare isotope physics. By combining observations, astrophysical modeling, and nuclear physics experiments they can provide new insights into the behavior of matter under extreme temperatures and densities. 

Dr. Ambrose Seo, University of Kentucky

Title: Shaping Light and Charge in Two-Dimensional Materials with Plasmonic Nanostructures

Abstract: Two-dimensional materials such as MoS2 are just one atom thick, which gives them remarkable optical and electronic properties, but also makes them challenging to use efficiently in devices, since their ultrathin nature limits how strongly they interact with light. During my sabbatical in Seoul, I explored new ways to overcome this challenge by combining MoS2 with carefully designed metallic nanostructures that can trap and guide light at the nanoscale. By embedding gold or silver nanowires and nanogrooves beneath or alongside MoS2, we found that we could significantly boost its light emission, collect photo-generated charges more effectively, and improve the efficiency of heterostructures that pair MoS2 with oxide semiconductors. These studies show how "plasmonic" effects, i.e., collective oscillations of electrons in metals, can be harnessed to control light–matter interactions in atomically thin materials. I will present the key outcomes of these projects and discuss how they point toward future opportunities for next-generation devices.