2024 Grand Seminar to explore quantum gravity and the intersection of art, mathematics, and science

Sylvester James “Jim” Gates, Jr., Ph.D., a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a theoretical physicist at the University of Maryland (UMD), will present the 2024 Grand Seminar lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. in McGuire Hall. The event, presented by Loyola’s academic division of natural and applied sciences, is free and open to the public but advanced registration is required for in-person and virtual attendance.

Titled “How Quantum Gravity Became an Arena for Art, Mathematics & Science,” Gates’ presentation will explore M-theory, supersymmetry, and the use of visual arts on the journey to understanding quantum gravity. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein once said, “After a certain high level of technical skill is achieved, science and art tend to coalesce in esthetics, plasticity, and form. The greatest scientists are always artists as well,” and this talk will explain how.

“We are honored to welcome Professor Sylvester James Gates, Jr. as our 2024 Grand Seminar speaker,” said Bahram Roughani, Ph.D., associate dean for the natural and applied sciences. “A distinguished theoretical physicist, Professor Gates is celebrated for his pioneering work in supersymmetry and supergravity. His exceptional commitment to science and mathematics is complemented by a deep passion for education. As a steadfast advocate for underserved minority students, he actively promotes inclusion and diversity within STEM fields. Professor Gates’ remarkable ability to integrate math, science, and the arts and humanities inspires a comprehensive approach to learning and discovery.”

Gates holds the Clark Leadership Chair in Science at UMD, where he is also Distinguished University Professor, Regents Professor, and John S. Toll Professor of Physics. This year marks Gates’ 53rd consecutive year of university-level teaching at institutions such as Brown University, Caltech, Gustavus Adophus College, Howard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in addition to UMD. He joined the UMD faculty as an associate professor in 1984. That same year, he co-authored Superspace: One Thousand and One Lessons in Supersymmetry, the first comprehensive book on the supersymmetry. Four years later, he became the first African American to hold an endowed chair in physics at a major U.S. research university. For his contributions to science and research, President Obama awarded Gates the National Medal of Science in 2013, the highest award given to scientists in the U.S.

Gates earned two B.S. degrees (mathematics and physics) from MIT in 1973. He later received his Ph.D. from MIT in 1977. He is the author of more than 200 research papers and has been featured in dozens of documentaries.

The 2024 Hauber Research posters will prelude Gates’ lecture.

About natural and applied sciences at Loyola
Natural and applied sciences at Loyola engages its students through excellence in the study of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, data science, engineering, forensic science, mathematical and statistical science, and physics. Students learn to become adaptive learners and ethical leaders ready to serve in a diverse and changing world.