The J. Mark Sowers Distinguished Lecture Series in the College of Science at Virginia Tech is a forum for the exchange of new and innovative ideas in scientific fields. The series has attracted national and world-renowned scholars, including a laser physicist, a nanoscientist, an astrophysicist (and also Nobel Laureate), an applied mathematician, the director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute, and a statistician who specializes in machine-learning. Discussions have delved into brain sciences, speech and hearing development, black holes, and more.

Generously supported by Mark and Debi Sowers, this series provides opportunities for the university community and general public to interact with and learn from eminent scholars and industry experts. Sowers is a Richmond, Virginia-based businessman and developer and longtime supporter of the College of Science. He sponsors the series to share with others his fascination with the sciences, in particular, physical science.

Virginia Tech is pleased to host Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell on Tuesday, February 8 at 12:00 p.m. virtually via Zoom.  Prof. Bell Burnell is currently a visiting academic at Oxford University and the Chancellor of the University of Dundee, Scotland.  In 2018, she received a $3M Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.  The title of her talk is “Discovery of Pulsars: A Graduate Student’s Story.”

There is no charge for attendance; however, we have provided an option to make a gift at check-out for those who would like to contribute. All gifts will benefit the VT Physics Department Annual Fund.

Registration for this event is now closed.

Please contact Jenny Orzolek with any questions you may have at 540-231-5643 or sciencersvp@vt.edu.