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Episode 6

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Published on:

7th Jul 2022

Joanna Piotrowska

Intro

Our guest this month is Joanna Piotrowska, a PhD student looking at galaxy formation and evolution in the group of Prof. Roberto Maiolino. By using a mix of observational cosmology and numerical simulations, Joanna is studying how supermassive black holes – the giant black holes thought to reside at the center of every galaxy – can influence star formation, and in particular the mystery of why certain galaxies cease to generate any new stars.  

Joanna was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland. During her high school years, she quickly discovered her two great passions: artistic expression and the universe. At first, she contemplated going to art school, and even prepared a portfolio for her application, but in the end, she chose to move to Cambridge to pursue a degree in natural sciences.

To this day, though, she tries to combine her artistic side with her scientific one. On the one hand, her studies of black holes and star formation inspire her artistic work with water-based paint on silk. On the other hand, she uses her knowledge about color theory and form to make the visual aids in her publications more accessible and meaningful. However, her long-term goal is not just to study space; she wants to become an astronaut and actually visit it.

We will chat with her about walking the fine line between observational cosmology and numerical methods, the importance of outreach communication in science, and the skills required to become an astronaut and how she is preparing for it. 

Stay with us…

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[00:33] - Guests intro

[02:10] – Astrophysics most fascinating field of physics

[03:00] – Early background and fascination of observing the sky attracted her to astrophysics

[04:50] – Experience of meeting a Polish astronaut  

[05:55] – Making a choice between Arts and Physics

[08:20] – Motivation behind studying physics in Cambridge, UK

[10:38] – Experience in UK studying physics and choosing Astrophysics

[12:38] – Experience with untold side of physics with the coding/simulation side of physics

[13:55] – Astrophysics melting pot of all the different fields in physics

[15:45] – Inspiration behind looking at the influence of supermassive black holes on star formation in galaxies during PhD

[16:46] – Steep learning curve

[19:02] – Walking the thin line between observational astrophysics and simulations

[20:20] – Using publicly available data for the research extremely important

[22:54] – Postdoctoral position at Caltech and research related to physics of accretion disks around black holes

[25:10] – In the news this month: Researchers have discovered a new effect in two-dimensional conductive systems that promises improved performance of terahertz detectors. A team of scientists at the Cavendish Laboratory, together with colleagues at the Universities of Augsburg (Germany) and Lancaster, has found a new physical effect when two-dimensional electron systems are exposed to terahertz waves.

[27:22] – Finding ways of combining arts with science

[28:51] – Suggestions on improving scientific communication  

[31:42] – Dream of becoming an astronaut and preparation

[32:55] – Path to be followed towards becoming an astronaut

[34:18] – Choosing the public vs private sector for space travel

[35:33] – Future of space life is tourism

[36:51] – Outro

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Episode credits:

Hosts: Paolo Molignini and Jacob Butler

News presenter: Simone Eizagirre Barker

Producer: Chris Brock



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About the Podcast

People doing Physics
The podcast exploring the personal side of physics
As fascinating as physics can be, it can also seem very abstract, but behind each experiment and discovery stands a real person trying to understand the universe. Join us at the Cavendish Laboratory on the first Thursday of every month as we get up close and personal with the researchers, technicians, students, teachers, and people that are the beating heart of Cambridge University’s Physics department. Each episode also covers the most exciting and up-to-date physics news coming out of our labs. If you want to know what goes on behind the doors of a Physics department, are curious to know how people get into physics, or simply wonder what physicists think and dream about, listen in!
Join us on Twitter @DeptofPhysics using the hashtag #PeopleDoingPhysics.

About your hosts

Vanessa Bismuth

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I'm the Cavendish's Communications Manager and I want the world to know about the extraordinary people that are working, researching and studying here.

Jacob Breward Butler

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Working in the Outreach Office of the Cavendish Laboratory, I run Cambridge University's educational Physics outreach programmes while studying a part-time Masters' in Education.

Charles Walker

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As a researcher at Cavendish Astrophysics and Selwyn College, Cambridge, I help develop and use radio telescopes to learn more about the Universe, and perform outreach to help others learn more about our work, and us!