J. Mark Sowers Distinguished Lecture Series with Professor S. James Gates, Jr.
March 28, 2022
7:30-9 p.m.
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, 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 S. James Gates, Jr. of Brown University on Monday, March 28th at 7:30 PM virtually via Zoom. Professor Gates is a theoretical physicist who directs the Brown Theoretical Physics Center. His many honors include membership in the National Academy of Sciences and receipt of a National Medal of Science. His talk is titled, “From SyFy and Marvel Comics to Superstring Theory, Evolution, and the CMB.”
Einstein once said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution. It is, strictly speaking, a real factor in scientific research." This talk aims to illuminate this quote in the life of one scientist.
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.
Please contact Jenny Orzolek with any questions you may have at 540-231-5643 or sciencersvp@vt.edu.