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<div><br></div><div><br></div>Our Meeting on Tuesday, March 13th, will feature a presentation by Prof. Amanda Peet on String Theory and a summary follows:<br><br><div><div id="SkyDrivePlaceholder"></div><br>> STRING THEORY FOR THE SCIENTIFICALLY CURIOUS<br>> <br>> String theory, a part of modern theoretical physics, has wiggled its<br>> way into the popular consciousness during the past decade. While the<br>> details are technically complicated, the basic idea is stunningly<br>> simple - that the fundamental Lego blocks making up matter and force<br>> are tiny vibrating strings (rather than infinitely small particles).<br>> Some people presenting string theory to the public, like Brian Greene,<br>> emphasize its mathematical beauty. By contrast, this presentation will<br>> focus on the powerful physics motivations for the invention and<br>> development of string theory.<br>> <br>> Ideas on the menu will include: explaining the epic clash between<br>> quantum mechanics and general relativity, string theory basics, extra<br>> dimensions of space, D-branes and duality, the LHC, the origin and<br>> ultimate fate of the universe, and the black hole information paradox.<br>> This presentation will be largely self-contained; no physics or math<br>> background will be assumed other than a layperson's curiosity about<br>> physical science. Questions at any level of sophistication will be taken <br>> after the presentation is complete.<br>> <br>> Amanda Peet is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of<br>> Toronto and a Fellow of Trinity College. She holds a B.Sc.(Hons) from<br>> the University of Canterbury and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Her<br>> awards include a Radcliffe Fellowship from Harvard University and an<br>> Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship. She was one of the<br>> string theorists interviewed in the three-hour NOVA PBS documentary<br>> "Elegant Universe". She grew up in the South Pacific island nation of<br>> Aotearoa/New Zealand and has a little web site at http://ap.io/home/ . <br></div><div><br></div><div>As usual, we meet at 7:30 in the Physics Bldg.,Room 408. I hope we will have a good turnout for what promises to be a fascinating presentation.</div><div><br></div><div>Ed Morrison </div> </div></body>
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