What would happen if the Earth experienced a severe geomagnetic storm? Blackouts? Loss of communication networks? Satellite failure? In this episode of The PAM Talks, host Ciara Chisholm explores this question and more with guest mentor, Dr. Laura Mazzino, an assistant professor at the University of Calgary specializing in space physics. Dr. Mazzino shares her journey from humble beginnings in Argentina to her current role, an inspiring story of perseverance and determination. Through her expertise, she explains the potential impacts of geomagnetic storms on our technology, including disruptions to satellite communication and power grids. We learn about the interconnectedness of space weather and its effects on Earth, highlighting the importance of studying and understanding these phenomena.

• Host: Ciara Chisholm, Masters Student, University of Calgary
• Edited by: Anja Rabus, Masters Student, University of Calgary
• Produced by: Becky Booth, PhD Candidate, Astrophysics, University of Calgary

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.

In this episode of the PAM Talks, we explore the intersection of physics and medicine as host Gabby interviews Paula Brandt, a medical science PhD student at the University of Calgary. Paula shares her journey from studying physics to medical research, driven by a desire to combine her passions. In her research, Paula applies her physics background in optics to understand protein misfolding in type two diabetes, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of misfolded proteins in disease progression. This research aims to develop a diagnostic procedure to detect misfolded proteins earlier, potentially revolutionizing diabetes treatment.

• Host: Gabby Gelinas, Masters Student, University of British Columbia
• Edited by: Josue Ibarra Molinas, Graduate student, University of Calgary
• Produced by: Becky Booth, PhD Candidate, Astrophysics, University of Calgary

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.

It's March 14th, and in honor of Pi Day, PAM Talks is shifting to the world of math! Embark on an exploration of mathematical modeling with Jenny Lawson, an interdisciplinary PhD student at the University of Calgary. A passionate advocate for mathematical education, Jenny describes the crucial role of understanding mathematical modeling in real-world challenges like fisheries sustainability. Join us as Jenny and our host, undergraduate student E Thompson, delve into the beauty and significance of math beyond textbooks, bridging theory with practical application. Tune in for a captivating conversation that celebrates the intersection of mathematics and everyday life.

• Host: E Thompson, Honors Physics and Mathematics Undergraduate Student, University of Calgary.
• Edited and produced by:
  • Becky Booth, PhD Candidate, Astrophysics, University of Calgary.

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.

Pragati Gupta is a PhD student with the Quantum Science and Technology Group at the University of Calgary. In this episode of the PAM Talks, we’re diving into the fascinating world of quantum computing as undergraduate student Emina Hafiz interviews Pragati about her research in quantum computing.

Quantum computing is a developing technology that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to make computers that will be able to rapidly solve some of the types of problems that are challenging for classical computers to solve efficiently. Instead of using classical bits, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits. What makes qubits special is that they can exist in multiple states at the same time. It's like having a light switch that can be both on and off simultaneously! This property is an example of superposition. Because of superposition, a quantum computer can perform many calculations at the same time, making it potentially much more powerful than a classical computer for certain types of problems.

• Host: Emina Hafiz, Astrophysics undergraduate student, University of Calgary.
• Edited by:
  • Anja Rabus, MSc student, Complexity Physics, University of Calgary.
  • Becky Booth, PhD Candidate, Astrophysics, University of Calgary.

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.

Like the Sun and the Earth, the Milky Way Galaxy has a magnetic field. This Galactic magnetic field plays a significant role in star formation and is even thought to support the vertical structure of the Galactic disk against gravitational collapse. There is no doubt about its importance, but we still know very little about the Galactic magnetic field. Since magnetic fields themselves do not give off light, they are difficult to observe directly. Dr. Anna Ordog is a post-doctoral researcher at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory. In this inaugural episode of the PAM Talks, PhD student Pooja Woosaree interviews Dr. Ordog and learns how radio astronomy is used to detect and model the Magnetic field of the Milky Way Galaxy.

• Host: Pooja Woosaree, PhD Candidate, Alpha-G Collaboration, University of Calgary
• Produced and edited by: Becky Booth, PhD Candidate, Astrophysics, University of Calgary

The PAM Talks gratefully acknowledges support from the University of Calgary Graduate Student Association Quality Money grant program.