LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 30, 2026) – Central Appalachia has powered the nation for generations — fueling industry, building cities, and supporting economic growth far beyond the region itself. But as coal and other extractive industries decline, communities across Appalachia are once again facing transition. The question, as many have learned through hard experience, isn’t whether change is coming — it’s whether that change will be just.
Dr. David Allred, Brigham Young University
Title: Addressing Material Science issues on the way to NASA habitable worlds Observatory and Beyond
Abstract: If the technology is sufficiently matured, NASA's next flagship mission is likely to be the Habitable Worlds Observatory. This observatory for the late ‘30’s will also be capable of far UV Optical measurements.
In conjunction with NASA scientists, BYU's Thin films for Space Optics Research Group has been addressing some of the material science issues important for extending observations into the far UV using characterization tools of the 21st century including spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We have also been doing studies on a potential alternative to the internal coronagraph currently contemplated for the Habex mission.
I will discuss dust, lifetime studies and the cleaning and storage of delicate optics and hygroscopic materials with polymers, including first contact polymer. This presentation is aimed at advanced undergraduate students and beginning graduate students while at the same time reviewing and teaching aspects of optics that may be of interest to all.
Come join UK's Folklore & Mythology Club for a lovely craft night that will include crocheting and talking with club members.
Join UK's Folklore & Mythology Club for an evening of watching old episodes of our favorite gang.
Join UK's Folklore & Mythology Club in a full event of games, food, crafts and even a prize or two.
Come join UK's Folklore & Mythology Club for a meeting where we use Creepypasta to create the funniest Mad Libs.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 29, 2026) — Applications are now open for awards and funding opportunities offered by the University of Kentucky Appalachian Center and Appalachian Studies program. These opportunities are open to any student participating in work and research in the Appalachian region.
Dr. Erik Henriksen, Washington University, St. Louis
Title: Thermal transport in atomically thin materials
Abstract: Inspired by the potential to study quantum spin liquid-related phenomena in unusual magnetic materials, we are developing methods to measure thermal properties of single- and few-layer atomically thin materials, as well as thicker flakes. We will briefly introduce the Kitaev-type quantum spin liquid and the most promising material candidate at the moment, a-RuCl3, and then review some recent experimental progress including a surprisingly large and useful charge transfer when a-RuCl3 is placed in proximity to other materials. The remainder of the talk will cover our latest work on a technique to simultaneously measure the thermal conductivity and specific heat in suspended quasi-2D systems, starting with SiN membranes and moving on to flakes of a-RuCl3, hexagonal boron nitride, and also the antiferromagnet FePS3.
Title: Fundamental physics with cold and ultracold neutrons
Abstract: Thanks to their lack of charge, neutrons can be powerful probes to study fundamental aspects of the weak and strong nuclear forces unhampered by electromagnetic effects. However, for the same reason tools and techniques to make neutrons useful for fundamental physics are quite different from other fields of subatomic physics. This presentation will explain the principles of neutron production, moderation and transport and showcase examples of the fundamental physics that can be explored with neutrons.
