Professor Jamie Nagle Delivers Insightful Distinguished Research Lecture on the Early Universe
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Professor Jamie Nagle captivated an audience of students, staff, faculty, and community members during the 125th Distinguished Research Lecture hosted by 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder’s Research & Innovation Office (RIO).
Recognized with the prestigious 2024-2025 Distinguished Research Lectureship, Nagle presented his lecture, "10 Trillion Degrees: Unlocking the Secrets of the Early Universe," in the Chancellor’s Hall and Auditorium at the CASE (Center for Academic Success and Engagement) building.
Jamie Nagle's explanation of particles included a feature of his family's dog, aptly named Quark.
The lecture explored the extraordinary conditions of the early universe, delving into the physics of quark-gluon plasma—a state of matter that existed just microseconds after the Big Bang, reaching temperatures of 10 trillion degrees. Nagle shared insights from his groundbreaking research, illustrating how high-energy particle collisions in modern accelerators, such as those at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, recreate these primordial conditions, allowing physicists to study the fundamental forces that shaped our universe.
Nagle’s dynamic presentation engaged attendees, seamlessly blending complex scientific concepts with accessible explanations. He highlighted the importance of understanding the strong force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature, and its role in binding quarks and gluons to form protons and neutrons—the very building blocks of matter. Adding to his scientific explanation were photos of his dog Quark, who his children named.
The lecture concluded with a lively Q&A session, where Nagle addressed a range of questions from seasoned physicists and curious public members. A reception followed, allowing attendees to further discuss the lecture's fascinating topics.
Professor Nagle’s distinguished recognition and compelling lecture underscored the cutting-edge research being conducted within 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder’s Physics Department. His work continues to inspire both current and future generations of physicists, advancing our understanding of the universe's earliest moments.