This March 4-6, the University of Chicago Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics will be hosting the “Picture an Astronomer” symposium, funded by a grant from the University of Chicago Women’s Board. This symposium, created primarily by graduate student Ava Polzin, was born out of discussion around the book, “Astronomy as a Field: A Guide for Aspiring Astrophysicists.” This book was led and organized by Polzin as supplemental material for her SIRIUS B VERGE program: a series of virtual talks for Indigenous students (grades 8-11). The book contains summaries of major disciplines of astronomy (like high-energy transients, exoplanets, and cosmology) but also contains answers to questions early scientists might have like, “What’s the difference between an astronomer and an astrophysicist?” and “What can I do now to prepare for a career in astrophysics?”
In the early stages of prep for the SIRIUS B VERGE program, Polzin was sure she wanted to offer the students a written resource to give them a sense of the “real-life” work in astronomy. After putting to paper so much of what she had learned in her years of teaching and engagement, she reached out to female astronomers she knew and respected to collaborate on the project. This community effort was not only a way for Polzin to connect with her strong network of colleagues and mentors but an intentional choice to demonstrate the support behind those just starting in the field. In addition to writing some science sections, many contributed messages of advice and encouragement too, which intersperse the science chapters. One such message from Professor Deanne Coppejans is copied below:
“Your curiosity, love of science, motivation and persistence are the most important things for a successful career in astrophysics. There will be ups and downs in your pursuit of your goals and dreams – please really celebrate your achievements and also use them to remind yourself that you can do it when you are struggling. If you ever find that you are doubting yourself, please remind yourself how far you’ve come and that we are all cheering you on.”
The “Picture an Astronomer” symposium is intended to build upon some of the central themes of the book and is intended to foster conversation about the state of the astrophysics field for women. It will feature talks from at least 21 invited speakers (including former Astrobiters Sanjana Curtis, Malena Rice, and Allison Strom) on scientific results as well as personal experiences as women in astrophysics. Additionally, afternoons will be dedicated to discussing the challenges to, and solutions for, the retention of female astronomers, which will be compiled into a white paper and shared with the broader astrophysics community. It is the hope that some of the solutions, incremental or substantial, will be implemented in local communities and that the white paper may serve as a basis for starting similar conversations at many institutions. Registration, both in-person and virtual, for the symposium will close on February 15 and can be accessed here.
There are additional, public-accessible events happening throughout February too! Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Professor Anna Frebel will be speaking about their scientific discoveries and experience as women in astronomy. Dame Bell Burnell is well-known for her discovery of the first radio pulsar in 1967 as a graduate student. This discovery was later awarded the Nobel Prize in physics, however Dame Bell Burnell was not a recipient. Dame Bell Burnell was an AAS Keynote Speaker in 2022, and was featured in an interview by Astrobites. Prof. Anna Frebel is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and her scientific work focuses on old, metal-poor stars in both the Milky Way and in dwarf galaxies. In 2015, she authored the book “Searching for the oldest stars: Ancient Relics from the Early Universe.” Recordings of past talks on similar themes from AAS President Dara Norman and Professor Katie Mack will be available on the “Picture an Astronomer” webpage soon!
Dame Bell Burnell’s talk will be on February 19; in-person registration has sold out, however you can register for virtual attendance. Prof. Frebel’s talk will be on February 25 at the William Eckhardt Research Center at the University of Chicago with in-person and virtual registration available.
Edited by: Huei Sears, Jessie Thwaites
Featured Image Credit: Ava Polzin
