Public lecture - Hacking Stars to Better Understand our Universe
- Date & Time
- March 15, 2023 (Wednesday) | 5:00 - 6:00pm (HKT)
- Venue
- Room 223, 2/F, Knowles Building, Main Campus, HKU
- Speaker
- Dr Hakeem OLUSEYI
Astrophysicist and Former Space Science Education Manager for NASA; Faculty Research Fellow at the Princeton Space Plasma Laboratory; Visiting Robinson Professor at George Mason University; President of the National Society of Black Physicists
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Dr Hakeem Oluseyi, the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, "A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars", is an internationally-recognised astrophysicist, science TV personality, and global education advocate with a long, distinguished career in academia and scientific research. Most recently, he was stationed at NASA Headquarters, where he served as an Astrophysicist and Space Science Education Lead for NASA's Science Mission Directorate.
In this talk, he will discuss his scientific research based on ‘hacking stars’, which allows him to develop innovative new technologies and deepen our understanding of the universe. He will also talk about his work leveraging techniques for interpreting electromagnetic radiation, laboratory plasma physics, computational modeling, machine learning, and high-performance computing.
This is a joint colloquium of the Faculty of Science and the Department of Physics.
Speaker Dr Hakeem OLUSEYI
Astrophysicist and Former Space Science Education Manager for NASA; Faculty Research Fellow at the Princeton Space Plasma Laboratory; Visiting Robinson Professor at George Mason University; President of the National Society of Black Physicists
Dr Oluseyi's background is a testament to his perseverance and determination. Despite growing up in challenging circumstances, he taught himself about science and overcame incredible odds to attain a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Tougaloo College, and a Master's and PhD in Physics from Stanford University. With a passion for innovation, Dr Oluseyi worked in Silicon Valley, where he researched and invented computer chips that are now used in everyday devices. His scientific work has led to 12 patents and over 100 publications on astrophysics, cosmology, semiconductors manufacturing, and ion propulsion. He is also dedicated to science education research and has developed highly effective and efficient, divergent techniques for teaching mathematics and physics to learners of all ages. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Dr Oluseyi is also committed to promoting science to the general public. He co-hosts popular shows on Netflix, PBS, NatGeo, and Science Channel, including "Baking Impossible" and "How the Universe Works." He also regularly appears on ABC News, CNN, MSNBC, and international news networks describing the latest scientific events. Dr Oluseyi has received numerous honors and recognitions for his work, including selection as a 2022 Princeton Faculty Fellow, a 2017 National Academy of Inventors Inductee, a 2015 MIT Faculty Fellow, and a 2015 induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. Dr Oluseyi is a remarkable example of hard work and dedication, and continues to inspire and influence the lives of many. He encourages audiences worldwide to chase their dreams, sharing his roller-coaster ride of success and the setbacks he faced.
