Baylor Welcomes Fall CASPER Seminar Speakers

by Lillyan Baker, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Media contact: Paige Connell
Baylor University Media Communications
(254) 710-3321 or Paige_Connell@baylor.edu
The Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics and Engineering Research (CASPER) at Baylor University will host several seminars and theory group meetings highlighting new technology and approaches to space development and research. The seminars are held from 2 to 3 p.m. in room C231 of the Baylor Sciences Building. CASPER is an official Baylor center formed by a partnership between Baylor and Texas State Technical College.

Sept. 5-Richard Obousy has developed a new theory that allows a spaceship to exceed the speed of light, while obeying the laws of physics. Obousy, a Baylor graduate student, has introduced the idea that by altering the dark energy in the 10th spatial dimension it would create a "bubble" that allows a spaceship to travel faster than the speed of light. Join Obousy as he discusses and explains, "Casimir Energy, Extra Dimensions and a Novel Approach to Interstellar Propulsion."

Oct. 3-Dr. Mike Montgomery is a research associate in the Department of Astronomy at the College of Natural Sciences at University of Texas at Austin. He attended UT, Princeton University and later returned back to Austin to receive his PhD in astronomy.

Oct. 10-Dr. Ron Wilhelm is an educated astronomist that enjoys teaching numerous classes at the university level. Wilhelm has taught at respected institutions such as Western Kentucky University, Southwestern University and Texas Tech University. He has also conducted research at McDonald Observatory.

Nov. 14- Dr. David Brower is a UT-Austin researcher in the Fusion Research Center at the College of Natural Sciences. Brower will discuss "Stochastic Magnetic Field Driven Particle and Momentum Transport in High-Temperature Plasmas."

Dec. 5-Lauren Dreyer is SpaceX's Business Development Manager, Baylor alum and an attendee of one of CASPER's Summer High School Scholars Program. SpaceX is developing a series of launch vehicles and spacecrafts to merge American spaceflight with International Space Station (ISS) by 2010 when the Space Shuttle retires. Dreyer will explain the SpaceX philosophy, details about the flights and will provide media of rocket tests and launch video.
Aug. 29-Dec. 5- Theory Group Meetings discuss a wide-range of physics and engineering topics like, complex plasma physics, shock physics, the design of instrumentation for deep-space probes and fusion reactor diagnostics. The meetings are held every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Baylor Science Building in room E201 on the Baylor campus.