In this episode of the Mama Trauma Barbie podcast, Alicia interviews Dr. Rupali Chandar, a renowned astrophysicist. Dr. Chandar, who studies galaxy formation and evolution, shares her journey as a woman in STEM, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of working in a traditionally male-dominated field. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and discusses how pioneering women have paved the way for future generations. The conversation touches on how understanding the universe through advanced telescopes like Hubble and James Webb has dramatically shifted our knowledge of galaxies, star formation, and the vastness of space.

The discussion also delves into the broader implications of scientific curiosity, both in space exploration and in our personal lives. Alicia and Dr. Chandar draw parallels between the complexities of the universe and human systems, stressing the value of curiosity, inclusivity, and collaboration in making scientific advancements. Dr. Chandar also shares insights on the potential for life beyond Earth and the importance of being good stewards of our planet and space. The episode concludes with a reflection on the rhythms and systems of life, encouraging listeners to embrace their own natural cadences and to continue fostering curiosity in all aspects of life.

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More about Rupali: Contact: [email protected] Professor of Astrophysics, University of Toledo

• Associate Chair, the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Toledo
• PhD in 2000 from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD
• I went to Solon High School which is near Cleveland, OH
• My research focuses on extragalactic astronomy, working to understand how galaxies like our own Milky Way formed when the universe was young and how they have changed over the 12 billion years since that time. I use data from the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope among others in my research.
• I also teach classes for freshmen in college through students working on their PhD
• I'm a mom and stepmom of 4 kids, and a dog-mom of 2.
• I'm the co-founder and the current chair of 'This is OH', a diversity, equity, and inclusion group in my neighborhood And some links to articles: https://news.utoledo.edu/index.php/01_30_2024/utoledo-astronomer-explores-cosmic-questions-with-collaborative-james-webb-survey https://news.utoledo.edu/index.php/05_07_2024/physics-undergraduates-rise-to-webb-data-challenge https://www.toledoblade.com/b-partners/university-of-toledo/2024/03/22/advancing-astronomy-asking-and-answering-questions-about-the-cosmos/stories/20240325002 https://www.13abc.com/2021/11/19/married-astronomers-sync-up-their-research-understand-cosmos/

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