2019
László Babai and Nick Feamster receive named, distinguished service professorships
July 2, 2019
László Babai has been named the Bruce V. and Diana M. Rauner Distinguished Service Professor in the Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, and the College. His work is centered on theoretical computer science and discrete mathematics. Nick Feamster, who joins UChicago this summer, has been named the Neubauer Professor in the Department of Computer Science and the College. His work focuses on experimental networked systems and security.
Clemens C.J. Roothaan, eminent quantum chemist and concentration camp survivor, 1918-2019
July 2, 2019
Clemens C.J. Roothaan, Louis Block Professor Emeritus of Physics and Chemistry, died June 17 at age 100. Roothan's research focused on the electronic structure of atoms and molecules with some of his structure models still being used today. Prof. Emeritus R. Stephen Berry lauds Roothaan as "the person who most deserved, but never received the Nobel Prize."
Postdoc discusses the search for Earth-like exoplanets with Cosmos Magazine
July 2, 2019
Cosmos Magazine features postdoctoral researcher, Stephanie Olson, who elaborates on what it takes for an exoplanet to be habitable and the possibility of finding a planet more habitable than Earth itself.
PSD in the News - June 2019
June 28, 2019
This month, PSD researchers have been featured for their work building CRISPR for RNA, shaking up the sloth family tree, using X-rays to reveal the secrets of intergalactic plasma, and more. In case you missed it, review our news headlines from June 2019.
Scientists use X-rays from faraway galaxy cluster to reveal secrets of plasma
June 25, 2019
University of Chicago astrophysicist, Irina Zhuravleva, led a study that provides a brand-new glimpse of the small-scale physics of intergalactic plasma. Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, scientists took a detailed look at the plasma in a distant galaxy cluster and discovered the flow of plasma is much less viscous than expected and, therefore, turbulence occurs on relatively small scales—an important finding for our numerical models of the largest objects in the universe.
PSD Spotlight: Sandra Quarles
June 24, 2019
Our final spotlight of the academic year is Sandra Quarles, Project Assistant in the Department of Computer Science. Sandra hails from Chicago and has worked at the University for 29 years. She has been nominated for exemplifying the PSD core value of holding ourselves accountable and honoring commitments.
Using human genome, scientists build CRISPR for RNA to open pathways for medicine
June 24, 2019
A group of scientists from the University of Chicago has announced a breakthrough method to alter RNA—and instead of using a protein from bacteria, like CRISPR, the new system is built out of parts from the human genome. Announced June 20 in Cell, the discovery could open new pathways for treating diseases or injuries by temporarily altering how the genetic template is carried out in the cell.
Scientists use atoms to simulate quantum physics in curved spacetimes
June 24, 2019
A team of physicists at the University of Chicago has built a quantum system to simulate the physics of Unruh radiation. The breakthrough advances our understanding of these complex physics—and could ultimately help us explain how the largest and smallest phenomena in the universe fit together.
Quanta interview features math professor, Amie Wilkinson
June 14, 2019
Quanta Magazine spoke with Wilkinson about the emotional dimensions of mathematical discovery, bizarre examples of dynamical systems that she’s found, and the idea of a “safe space” in mathematics.
First Class of Astrophysics Majors to Walk at Convocation
June 10, 2019
Nine students will be the first to graduate from the University of Chicago with a major in astrophysics on June 15.
Students earn Nathan Sugarman Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate Research
June 7, 2019
Adel Rahman, a fourth-year student in the College, and Evan Angelico, a graduate student in the department of physics, have been honored by the Enrico Fermi Institute with Nathan Sugarman Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate Research.
Scientists utilize Paleoproteomics to rewrite sloth classification
June 6, 2019
In a recent study, Prof. Slater from Geophysical Sciences, along with Samantha Presslee (University of York) and Ross MacPhee (American Museum of Natural History), utilized Paleoproteomics to point out differences between two and three-toed sloths—effectively rewriting sloth classification.
Chemistry PhD Student honored as recipient of 2019 Wayne C. Booth Prize
June 4, 2019
Gregory Rassolov, who is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry, is among four graduate students recognized for exceptional teaching of undergraduates. He was nominated for the Booth Prize by faculty and students for his ability to demystify the subject material and make it less intimidating.
Physical Sciences professors awarded Quantrell and Graduate Teaching Awards
June 4, 2019
This week, Prof. Malliaris of Mathematics was awarded the Quantrell award and Profs. Hu of Astronomy and Astrophysics and Lalley of Statistics were both awarded Faculty Awards for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring.
Scientist’s work on knotted vortices featured by PBS host of Physics Girl, Dianna Corwen
May 31, 2019
William Irvine, professor of physics, appears on Physics Girl to explain the process of creating knotted vortices, a phenomenon that occurs with airplanes during takeoff, by accelerating 3D-printed models in water.