September 26, 2005 - Today's Other News Items

Convocation showcases science Sept. 25

A scientist famous for his ability to excite learners of all ages about the most advanced theoretical concepts of our time headlines a major free public event celebrating both World Year of Physics 2005 and the formal launch of a new academic year at the University of Oregon.

Physicist Sylvester James Gates Jr. will speak on "Einstein's Lesson for the Third Millennium" at 3 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 25, in McArthur Court, 1601 University St., on the university's Eugene campus.

His presentation, which includes big screen animations, is being given at upwards of 50 such events around the world including the official launch of World Year of Physics in the United States last February. Intended to celebrate physics and its importance in everyday life, World Year of Physics marks the 100th anniversary of Einstein's publication of three key papers that have since influenced all of modern physics.

"Convocation is a festive tradition in which the university and the greater community welcome new faculty members and students," said Karen Sprague, vice provost for undergraduate studies and the event's lead planner. "I've seen Jim Gates in action and can promise that the audience will have a great time."

University President Dave Frohnmayer will preside at the occasion which includes pre-event performances by the Green Garter Band and the Yellow Garter Band. The program also will spotlight the Oregon Brass Quintet, one of the School of Music and Dance's premier faculty ensembles.

Gates, John S. Toll Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for String and Particle Theory at the University of Maryland, is a leader in the most fundamental frontier of theoretical physics, superstring/M-theory. Essentially, this theory views all matter as vibrating strings and suggests that our universe has many more than the known four dimensions. On Oct. 11, he will appear in a new "NOVA" special entitled "Einstein's Big Idea." He has been featured in three previous PBS series including "The Elegant Universe."

With two book projects underway and a full schedule of teaching and research, Gates also consults with governmental and private organizations and devotes special attention to supporting the development of scientific education and enterprise in African nations. The first African-American to hold an endowed chair in physics at a major U.S. research university, he has published more than 120 scientific articles, co-authored the book "Super Space" and contributed several chapters to leading books in his field.

Gates earned bachelor's degrees in both mathematics and physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1973 and a doctorate in physics from MIT in 1977. He started his postgraduate studies as a junior fellow of the Harvard Society of Fellows at Harvard University and ended his postgraduate work as a research fellow at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). An award-winning teacher, he has held faculty positions at MIT, Caltech and Howard University in addition to the University of Maryland.

For full details, visit the University Convocation website

For more news on university people, events and programs, you're invited to read the current issue of Inside Oregon, the official e-newsletter for Oregon faculty, staff and graduate teaching fellows.