When I was in school, I observed the rings of Saturn through a telescope; it was very real and yet distant. That was the first time I was very excited about science.
Theoretical physics professor Dr. Arundhati Dasgupta explores the wonders of the universe, driven by her fascination with both the vast unknown of galaxies and the mysteries of quantum theory.
What excites you about your work?
The `unknown' in the large-scale universe, as in the astrophysics of galaxies and black holes, and the `unobservable' in the small scale, as in the quantum theory of atoms and quarks. We describe both the dynamics using mathematical equations and transform the unknown into the sphere of `human' knowledge.
What sparked your interest in your field?
I was inspired by stories of scientific discoveries, accounts of the lives of scientists such as Galileo, and their struggle to establish the truth of a heliocentric solar system.
Tell us about the first time you felt really excited about what you were learning.
When I was in school, I observed the rings of Saturn through a telescope; it was very real and yet distant. That was the first time I was very excited about science.
What do you hope to accomplish through your work?
I hope to find answers to some fundamental questions, such as: what is the physics of gravitational waves recently discovered in 2016? These waves are produced in distant galaxies due to binary collision of black holes and neutron stars. We are working to find quanta known as ‘gravitons’ for these waves as ‘photons’ exist for light waves. I also hope to contribute to the change in equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in STEM fields, which is in progress.
What words of inspiration would you like to share with the next generation of women and girls?
I went to an all-girls school, and therefore, ‘we’ owned the cosmos, so to speak. We also had to find the origins of our universe and maintain human civilization. Even today, in the real world, that is what matters: the cosmos and you and your interpretations of how you choose to belong (i.e., always protest and demand change of old systems if they restrict your freedom).
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