Re-conceptualizing the Origin of Life

Understanding the origin of life remains an elusive quest of astrobiology, and uniting the approaches of physics, chemistry, and biology remains one of the challenges of this interdisciplinary field. Dr. Sara Walker is part of the science organizing committee for the Carnegie science workshop titled “Re-conceptualizing the Origin of Life“, to be held November 9-13, 2015 in Washington, DC. Abstracts are due August 1st, and attendance is limited to 100 participants. [visit the conference website for Re-conceptualizing the Origin of […]

Read more

Extraterrestrial Outreach

Dr. Sara Walker recently led a conversation at the Valley Engineering Science & Technology Club in Sun City West, Arizona. Dr. Walker discussed the search for extraterrestrial life in the 21st century with this organization that includes active and retired scientists and engineers. [read about the event]

Read more

Podcast: The Descent of Math

Our “BlueSciCon” podcast for April features a conversation with Dr. Sara Walker about her recent essay titled “The Descent of Math“. Scientists and philosophers have often remarked that it seems incredible that we are able to understand the universe at all. Our civilization’s ability to manipulate the physical environment has allowed us to create possibilities that were never before seen in history. In her essay for FQXi’s current contest, Dr. Walker discusses the possibility that evolutionary processes tend toward producing […]

Read more

Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman

A new science series titled “Through the Wormhole” features BMSIS research scientist Dr. Sara Walker as a guest expert on an upcoming show. The episode is titled “Are We Here for a Reason?” and is scheduled to air on Wednesday, May 13th on Discovery’s Science Channel at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Hosted by Morgan Freeman, the series explores some of the deep mysteries of astronomy, cosmology, and existence. [Visit the site for “Through the Wormhole”]

Read more

BlueSciCon Episode 37: The Descent of Math

Dr. Sara Walker Beverage: Seltzer Water Listen: [mp3 download] Questions to consider: Why does the universe seem comprehensible, and why should beings like us be here to comprehend it? How does our knowledge about the laws of physics permit us to access new physical states of the world? Do other creatures–such as birds or beavers–engage in knowledge manipulation of their environments? Are there early examples of the emergence of math, prior to the evolution of humans? Is the development of […]

Read more

A Chat with Astronaut Ron Garan

Retired NASA astronaut Ron Garan appears in an interview on HuffPost Live where he discusses his perspectives on space exploration and his ideas for shaping the future. Our own Dr. Sara Walker is featured in the conversation (at 11:20 from the start), asking Garan his thoughts about our prospects of becoming an interstellar civilization. [Watch the conversation at HuffPost Live]

Read more

Astrobiology: An Evolutionary Approach

A new astrobiology textbook is scheduled for publication in October and includes chapters written by our own Dr. Jim Cleaves and Dr. Sara Walker! The book is titled Astrobiology: An Evolutionary Approach and will be released by CRC Press on October 2, 2014. The book provides an interdisciplinary cross-section of many contemporary issues in astrobiology and could form the basis for an undergraduate or graduate course. Pre-orders can be placed now on Amazon.com!

Read more

Pubs: Quantum Non-Barking Dogs

A new paper led by Dr. Sara Imari Walker explores some novel concepts in quantum mechanics using conceptual models for the decay of an excited atom and the tunneling of a particle through a barrier. The paper is titled “Quantum Non-Barking Dogs” and is available as a pre-print on arXiv.org. In a new episode of our podcast series “Pubs with BMSIS”, join Brendan Mullan in a conversation with Dr. Walker about quantum mechanics and the implications of her new ideas. […]

Read more