WIPC 2017 - Day 3

Quantum connections

Shohini Ghose, Wilfrid Laurier University

From atomic structure, to the composition of stars, to teleportation, quantum physics has led to amazing discoveries and modern technologies like lasers and computers that have transformed our everyday lives. Yet the quantum world remains a mysterious place full of interesting phenomena such as entanglement and quantum uncertainty that we are now harnessing for novel information processing applications. This talk describes my journey into this weird and wonderful invisible world, and the surprising lessons I learned about physics and about being a physicist.

The eye as a window on the retina and the brain 

Melanie Campbell, University of Waterloo

In this presentation, I will discuss the application of novel imaging methods to understanding the eye and brain function.  I will discuss the use of adaptive optics for high resolution imaging of the retina to improve our knowledge of visual processing and non-invasive polarization imaging methods for the detection of biomarkers of diseases that affect the brain. The two brain diseases that I will concentrate on are Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral malaria.

Panel: Work/Life Balance

Moderated by
Jodi Szimanski, Institute for Quantum Computing

Panelists
Jen Schrafft, Jen Schrafft Coaching
Joan Vaccaro, Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia
Krister Shalm, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Razieh Annabestani, Institute for Quantum Computing

It is often perceived that work–life balance is more difficult to achieve in a STEM field than in other professions. We convened a panel of professionals who successfully advanced their scientific careers while, for example, raising children or pursuing other endeavors. Through discussions on this panel, our panelists will provide advice and answer questions on how to effectively achieve the balance that’s right for you.

Health break, food and drinks available

Implicit Bias Workshop

Crystal Tse, Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo

Social psychologists have studied varying and changing forms of prejudice – from prejudice that is more blatant and explicit to more contemporary forms of prejudice that is more subtle and implicit. In this workshop, Crystal will provide an overview of research on implicit bias with a focus on STEM fields and its wide-ranging impact on factors such as achievement, retention, and hiring. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on where implicit bias comes from and to work on developing strategies to combat implicit bias in academic and work environments.

Lunch, food and drinks available

Lab tours