Episode 11: Gretchen Oehlschlager and Alex Gurvich from CIERA-Out of this World at Northwestern

In this episode, we sit down with Gretchen Oehlschlager and Alex Gurvich from the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) department at Northwestern University. CIERA’s mission is to promote research and education in astrophysics through support of independent postdoctoral fellows, advanced graduate and undergraduate research, a vigorous visiting researchers program, and multi-faceted seminars, education, and public outreach programs. Special emphasis is given to interdisciplinary connections with computer science, applied math, statistics, electrical and mechanical engineering, planetary science, education and the arts. Gretchen Oehlschlager is the Communications & Events Coordinator for CIERA. Alex Gurvich is a PHD student in the department.

The conversation weaves from the public outreach that CIERA has, to the research they do and what Alex is working on (like simulated universes!), underground lasers, universes and multiverses, and the need for the public interest in space.

Some of the public events include Astronomy on Tap which, is astronomy trivia nights at local Chicago pubs, CIERA Public Lectures and CIERA Astronomer Evenings, which are Monthly Conversations with Astronomers at Dearborn Observatory. One big event is on April 5, 2019 where Professor Rainer Weiss, the Nobel Prize winner in physics from 2017, will speak at the Heilborn Lectures with the subject of Exploring the Universe with Gravitational Waves. You can see all of CIERA’s events here: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/programs/.

Everyone can learn more about CIERA and find their social media channels on their website here: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/ You can see Alex’s simulated universe on his website here: https://sites.northwestern.edu/alexbgurvich/

I’d like to thank several people for help with today’s show. This includes my real estate brokerage, Dreamtown Realty in Evanston for helping me with my graphics for the show. I’d like to thank Industrious in Evanston for use of their space to record follow them on Instagram at @industriousevanston. And if listening to this podcast gave you the bug to buy or sell real estate, give me call or go to my real estate website at http://www.aaronmasliansky.com And don’t forget to subscribe! Thank you.