Quantum Gravity: A Tour of Recent Developments & Open Questions

Are you curious about what happens inside a black hole?

Perhaps you’re wondering whether wormholes really exist, or pondering where you fit into the cosmos?

If so, join us for a lightspeed journey through the cutting-edge in the field of quantum gravity, the theory that unites quantum mechanics and general relativity and describes the fundamental physics behind everything in our universe. During our tour, we’ll delve into a decades-old mystery about information disappearing inside a black hole, and explore the new story that demystifies this information paradox. We’ll also examine one of the main tools theoretical physicists use to understand quantum gravity: the holographic principle. This remarkable theory has unlocked new insights into the true nature of spacetime. No advanced science background is required, just bring your excitement and curiosity!

Molly Kaplan is a PhD Candidate in physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where she conducts research on quantum gravity. Her focus is on advancing our understanding of the AdS/CFT correspondence, which she achieves through her research on commutators of HRT-areas, the “factorization problem,” and quantum effects in de Sitter. In addition to her academic work, she is passionate about using creative pursuits such as music, writing, and art to communicate scientific ideas to broader audiences. Molly is also dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and advocating for underrepresented individuals in STEM fields.

This event is free! Brought to you by UCSB BioShape Lab.