Earlier this year researchers at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) physically detected gravitational waves, confirming Albert Einstein's predictions about general relativity.
It's an astounding discovery that has spawned an entirely new field of study, called gravitational wave astronomy, and has presented endless new research opportunities. And an emerging scientist in Evanston will be one of the researchers delving into the new way we see our universe.
Laura Sampson, a postdoctoral research fellow at Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University just received $60,000 from L'Oréal to further her research on black holes and gravitational waves. She develops data analysis algorithms that provide insight into physical processes that lead to systems that create gravitational waves.
We can use these signals to learn about black holes and neutron stars
"I help to analyze data from a new type of astronomical signal - gravitational waves. We can use these signals to learn about black holes, neutron stars, and other systems with extremely strong gravity," Sampson said to Chicago Inno.
"What we're learning doesn't directly impact people's daily lives except in the sense that it helps us satisfy our curiosity about the universe we live in," she added. "But in the process of making these detections, scientists have needed to develop brand new technologies that can be directly used in other fields."
The grant will allows Sampson to stay at Northwestern for an additional year to continue her research, as well as work on an outreach program that combines music and science.
Sampson is one of five recipients of this year's L'Oréal For Women in Science fellowship, a program that seeks to fund the work of emerging female scientists, as well as support women and girls in STEM.
The fellowship required that recipients are committed to serving as role models for younger generations--as part of the fellowship, Sampson and the other fellows will attend a mentoring session with students at Harrison Elementary School in Roselle, N.J. where they will guest-teach alongside L'Oréal scientists. They will also join a discussion on women in STEM at the White House, and attend a roundtable discussion at the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine conducted by the organization's first female president, Marcia McNutt.
"We are proud to recognize this group of exceptional female scientists for their innovative research and dedication to inspiring the next generation of women in STEM," said Frédéric Rozé, president and CEO of L'Oréal USA in a release. "By providing support at a pivotal moment in their careers, we hope to empower them to further their work [and] continue on a path to become future leaders in their fields."
