Hispanic Trends in STEM
In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
1-2 pm in CA 302, Wednesday, October 2nd , 2024
Speaker: Dr. Aaron Dominguez, Provost, Catholic University
Bio: Aaron Dominguez is the Provost and an Ordinary Professor of Physics at The Catholic University of America. His main area of research is in using particle colliders to search for new physics, including the recently discovered Higgs boson. His area of expertise is in instrumentation—designing, building and using silicon charged particle trackers as precision tools to reconstruct the complicated interactions taking place in these collisions.
He received his undergraduate degrees from Whitman College and Caltech, his Ph.D. in physics from UC San Diego and was a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. In 2005, he was the recipient of the NSF CAREER award. He has played numerous leadership positions in the L3, CDF and CMS particle physics experiments at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland and Fermilab in Chicago. He has mentored eight postdoctoral researchers, seven graduate students to completion, two currently in progress, and numerous undergraduates. He is a member of the National Science Board, serves on several advisory boards, and is an author on more than 1100 papers in experimental high energy physics and instrumentation.
Prior to becoming Provost of Catholic University, Dr. Dominguez served as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Previously he was Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Associate Dean of Research and Global Engagement at the University of Nebraska, and a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
As the Provost, Dr. Dominguez is the Chief Academic Officer of the university and oversees the academic life of Catholic University’s 12 schools, its libraries, research institutes, and the Catholic University of America Press. He aims to change the course of students’ lives and propel them toward a meaningful future.
Moderator: Ms. Judith Gomez, jlgomez@nvcc.edu
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Uncover the Secrets of Bicycle Wheels: A Fun Look at the Physics Behind Them
1-2 pm in CA 302 , Thursday, November 14th, 2024
Speaker: Mr. William Mould
Bio: Mr. William Mould is a scientist, educator, and bicycle wheel builder. Several years ago, he transitioned from a career in the Air Force, where he retired as a colonel, to become a full-fledged bicycle mechanic.
An avid rider for many years, he commutes year-round and participates in 100+ mile group and solo rides both in the U.S. and abroad. He has always enjoyed working on bikes—solving mechanical problems, learning new techniques, and applying new technologies.
Mr. Mould began his education with an economics degree from Pennsylvania State University and an MS in chemistry from Yale University, both of which left him somewhat unprepared for an intensive bike training curriculum. He is also a former civilian pilot and college science professor, often praised for his ability to explain complex topics in an understandable way.
He is a Trek-certified mechanic and a licensed USA Cycling Race Mechanic. William routinely reads, studies, and re-studies technical materials and brochures, and he learns something new every day. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his wife of over 40 years, their three daughters, their husbands, and his nine grandchildren. https://billmouldwheels.com/
Moderator: Dr. Manori Nadesalingam (mnadesalingam@nvcc.edu)