Information on Event Talks

Abstract: I will present the story of our discovery with the James Webb Space Telescope featured in a NASA press release and its significance in astrophysics, from the theories proposed 40 years ago to explain properties of the Solar System, to the fundamental predictions on the transport and delivery of water ice to rocky planets, to the analysis of the beautiful forest of water lines observed in infrared spectra with the James Webb Space Telescope. A long exciting journey that celebrates the wonder, vision, creativity, and persistence that unite people across the world in the search of our cosmic origins.

Abstract: Sometime in the next hour, we will see the explosion of a distant star. These explosions - supernovae - are among the most energetic and transformative events in the universe. Which types of stars end their lives in these dramatic explosions? Will our own Sun ever become a supernova? What causes certain stars to explode, and how are these cosmic cataclysms responsible for the existence of life? How have observations of these explosions provided critical evidence that the expansion of the universe is accelerating—an effect attributed to the mysterious phenomenon known as dark energy. Finally, we’ll highlight ongoing supernova research at Texas State University and discuss how scientists here are contributing to our evolving understanding of stellar evolution and the fate of the universe. 

Abstract: The universe is shaped by extreme environments—black holes, neutron stars, and powerful cosmic explosions—that can only be studied from space. This talk connects research in high-energy astrophysics with hands-on space technology, showing how questions about the most energetic phenomena in the cosmos inform the design of space-based instruments and small satellites. By involving students directly in building and testing real spacecraft systems, this work links frontier science with experiential learning, advancing both our understanding of the universe and the training of the next generation of space explorers.

Abstract: Stars are considered the primary building blocks of galaxies, and molecular gas (H2) is an essential fuel for star formation. The physical properties of molecular gas govern the star formation process in galaxies and so can shape galaxy evolution. The molecular gas and dust in galaxies are exposed to radiation from stars and supermassive blackholes along with turbulence from large-scale galaxy collisions. With the advent of James Webb Space telescope (JWST), it is now possible to study the dust and gas properties in galaxies at an unprecedent spatial resolution. In the talk, I will discuss my research on the analysis of JWST data to study dust and gas properties in different physical interstellar medium environments. Our study will help us understand galaxy evolution and demonstrate how JWST is transforming our understanding of the universe.

Abstract: How do stars live? How do they die? And what determines whether they collapse into a black hole, become a neutron star, or fade into a white dwarf? Join me for an exciting journey through the life and death of stars. 

Abstract: How do the most massive and biggest galaxies in the Universe today form and grow over time?  Galaxies grow in size from either having a large supply of gas to form stars or merging with other galaxies.  This causes galaxies to appear blue in color from massive blue stars and eventually transition to having no gas to support star formation appearing red in color from low-mass red stars, “red and dead”.  Understanding how galaxies change over time is necessary to understand the Universe better.  I will take you through recent observations from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) that have shown monster galaxies to form much faster and earlier than previously thought possible that has massive implications on our current understanding of the Universe.