Dr. Carolyn Kierans, a research astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is set to deliver a plenary lecture at the 248th meeting of the American Astronomical Society. Her talk, titled 'Exploring the MeV Gap: Unveiling the Secrets of Antimatter', delves into her journey and the mysteries she aims to unravel. In this article, we explore her research, her career path, and her advice for aspiring scientists, particularly young women in physics.
A Journey into Antimatter
Dr. Kierans' fascination with antimatter began during her undergraduate degree, where she discovered the intriguing world of particle physics. However, it was her summer co-op placement at TRIUMF, Canada's national particle physics laboratory, that sparked her interest in instrument building and testing. This led her to pursue a master's in quantum optics, and eventually, a PhD in gamma-ray astronomy at UC Berkeley.
Her research focuses on antimatter signatures in our galaxy, particularly the 511 keV glow that doesn't match any known astrophysical sources. This has led her to explore the 'MeV gap', a band of medium-energy gamma rays that is notoriously difficult to observe. Despite the challenges, Dr. Kierans' work has already borne fruit, with her helping to fly an instrument called COSI on a NASA super-pressure balloon, capturing the galaxy's 511 keV antimatter glow for the first time.
The Power of Instrument Building
Dr. Kierans' talk is not just about her research; it's also a tribute to the instrument-builders and pipeline-writers who make science possible. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the years of unglamorous work that goes into building and calibrating instruments. Her own journey is a testament to this, as she encourages students to see the tangible results of their hard work and perseverance.
Advice for Aspiring Scientists
Dr. Kierans' advice for aspiring scientists, particularly young women in physics, is both personal and practical. She encourages them to find a mentor, someone who looks like them and can provide guidance and support. Her own experience with a female mentor who had a PhD in physics and told her that she had gotten B's and 'wasn't Einstein' was a turning point in her career. She emphasizes the importance of seeing oneself in the field, and the power of hard work and perseverance.
The Future of Astronomy
Dr. Kierans' work on the ComPair mission is a prime example of how her research is shaping the future of astronomy. Her team's efforts to prove the technology for a future mission that could finally cover the entire MeV gap are a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. Her talk is an invitation to aspiring scientists, particularly undergraduates, to join her in exploring the mysteries of the universe.
In conclusion, Dr. Carolyn Kierans' plenary lecture is a must-attend event for anyone interested in astronomy and the mysteries of the universe. Her talk is not just about her research; it's also a celebration of the instrument-builders and pipeline-writers who make science possible. Her advice for aspiring scientists is both personal and practical, and her work on the ComPair mission is a prime example of how her research is shaping the future of astronomy.
