Every Shape You Take

Discovering new materials is a costly process, requiring a great deal of time, lab equipment, and resources. Therefore, any ability to predict good candidates (and thus minimise experimental time) is of great use. In this talk, we focus on one such method: predicting the structure of crystalline materials via computational methods. In doing so, we will cover how we formulate problems in physical sciences as mathematical functions, how we solve these problems, and the limits of what can (ever) be computed.

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics is all about understanding the physics of fluid motions on Earth and other planets, such as the air in the atmosphere, the water in the ocean, and the liquids within a planet’s interior. Using a spinning tank of water, we will create mesmerizing vortex patterns to unveil the secrets of Coriolis and buoyancy forces and how they shape flows in atmospheres and oceans.

The Universe is made up of both visible and invisible matter. But if we can’t see something, how do we know it’s there? And why does it matter? More importantly, how does this unseen matter shape the galaxies we do see? In this session, I’ll explore how simulations and observations help us uncover the hidden connection between galaxies and dark matter halos.

In a narrow band of the remote high-latitude Southern Ocean, where no land impedes its path, the ocean forms the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) — the only unbroken oceanic channel on Earth. The seamless ring of flows acts as a highway to move water and properties around the globe. Take a chance to appreciate the exceptional shape of this natural phenomenon and its remarkable features!

Stars are massive, dynamic powerhouses that undergo intense processes to shape the universe by producing energy and new elements in their cores. Even further than that, stars have their own magnetic personalities. Our sun's magnetic field, for example, generates spectacular aurorae and visual spectacle, but can also disrupt satellite technology and power grids. Understanding stellar evolution and magnetic fields is key to unlocking how stars interact with planets, including our own.

Look at your hands - mirror images of each other, yet they behave differently when interacting with something else (a fact often lamented by lefthanded people having to use righthanded tools!). These same rules apply at the molecular level with the 'handed' components in your body (enzymes, receptors, etc.) interacting with different 'handed' molecules. Find out how our research group makes the appropriately 'handed' molecules as medicines and fragrances in new, ecofriendly ways! Hint: most of the tools are found in the light bulb above and the drink in your hand.