The Quantum Feedback Loop

Alec Koumjian, Head of Software Engineering for the Asteroid Institute, talks about the pioneering efforts underway to defend Earth from asteroids and other space objects. The Institute’s innovative use of multiple data sources and software to predict and analyze trajectories includes inputs from the public and partnerships with other organizations. Alec relates the challenges of tracking objects in the solar system over long periods of time, the Asteroid Institute’s many achievements, and plans to map and track practically all space objects that could threaten life on our planet.

The Quantum Feedback Loop welcomes neuroscientist Dr. Burcin Ikiz, who describes her new initiative, EcoNeuro, to study the effects of climate change on the brain in different areas and environmental conditions around the globe. Burcin is a pioneer in investigating the effects on brain health from pollution, extreme heat, and other environmental stresses. As both a scientist and a mother, Burcin’s goal is to raise awareness of the issues so that action can be taken both locally and globally to reduce the risk of damage to brain health, and treatments can be developed to mitigate the damages already taking place. In the discussion, Burcin mentions the Pulitzer Center’s Local Letters for Global Change contest for children of all grades to express their concerns and solutions for climate change, the link for which is here.

Elisa Torres Durney is a high school student in Chile whose organization Girls in Quantum has attracted young participants around the planet. Hear how Elisa and her group are educating youth on quantum computing and quantum mechanics, and connecting with scientists in the field. Their ambitious plans for the future are helping to prepare for the technology and work of tomorrow.