University Calendar
Rob Ferdman, Research Associate, Interview
- Candidate Presentation 10:30 - 11:30am
- Teaching Presentation 1:45 - 2:30pm
Title
Pulsars: precision tools for understanding the Universe
Abstract
Pulsars, the rapidly spinning neutron-star remnants of massive stellar collapse, are celebrated tools for performing a variety of precision astrophysical studies. I will discuss my primary research work with these fascinating objects, which focuses on observational tests of gravitational theory, and constraining models of compact stellar and binary evolution.
High-precision pulsar timing provides some of the most stringent constraints on the predictions made by general relativity and alternative theories. I will describe tests using highly relativistic systems such as the astonishing double pulsar, as well as the effort to directly detect gravitational waves -- a "holy grail" in validating general relativity -- with the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves, which uses the distances between Earth and several millisecond-period pulsars as arms of a Galactic-scale GW detector.
Full Schedule
- 9:00 – 9:15
Meet with faculty. Donuts RI 224 - 9:15 – 10:15
Meet with Search Committee RI 224 - 10:15 – 10:30
Set - up RI 224 - 10:30 - 11:30
Candidate Presentation* RI 224 - 11:30 - 12:15
Meet with Chair RI 268 - 12:15 - 1:30
Lunch Student Center - 1:45 - 2:30
Teaching Presentation RI 224 - 2:30 - 3.00
Informal Time - 3:00
Meet with Dean CELS Informal conversation