Rithya Kunnawalkam Elayavalli

Join the CC community on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 5-6 p.m. in Kathryn Mohrman for a presentation by Rithya Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, Assistant Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vanderbilt University. Come early for the cocktail hour from 4-5 p.m. in Armstrong Great Hall.

The second half of the 20th century saw the advent of large-scale particle accelerator and collider physics experiments. International collaborations involving thousands of scientists at places like CERN in Switzerland, as well as across national laboratories in the U.S., have focused their studies on addressing gaps in our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of nature. We discovered various species of quarks, gluons, and the Higgs particle—which earned Nobel and Breakthrough Prizes for those involved—and also recreated the early universe through the production of quark-gluon plasma in heavy-ion collisions. As we have learned more about physics, we have gained massive utility as a byproduct of this research, including advancements in magnet, storage, data-pipeline, and medical physics technologies. Even though we have learned a great deal about quarks and gluons, several key concepts still elude us! In this talk, I will walk us through a brief history of discoveries from particle colliders and highlight many of the unsolved problems—especially in emergent phenomena, where the rules that govern the many differ significantly from the rules that govern the individual. Lastly, we will focus on the pathway toward the projected impact of the upcoming Electron Ion Collider, both in terms of physics and in developing a competent and excited scientific workforce for this discovery machine.  

This seminar is generously supported through the Harold D. and Rhoda N. Roberts Memorial Lecture in the Natural Sciences endowment, which supports and enhances science teaching at Colorado College.

We’ve made a few friendly refinements to the Editorial Style Guide to help keep writing across CC consistent and easy to follow. Months from March through July should always be spelled out, and you only need to include the year when the date is not in the current one. We are also updating how we use honorifics—instead of automatically using “Dr.” for anyone who has earned a PhD, we now include it only when an individual specifically requests it.

Ampersands are getting clearer guidance, too. Use “&” when it’s part of a formal name, title, or academic department such as Department of Mathematics & Computer Science. In regular sentences, stick with the word “and.” These small shifts help our communications stay aligned, readable, and unmistakably CC.

Review the full Editorial Style Guide to see all updates and examples.

Photo provided by the FAC.

Join museum staff today, Friday, Feb. 20 from 1-2 p.m., as they discuss what it takes to safely pack, transport, and install artworks from the museum’s collection that go on loan to other museums. Collections staff will share photos, videos, and anecdotes related to works that have traveled recently, both domestically and internationally, including John Wayne by Marisol, Portrait of Miss Elsie Palmer by John Singer Sargent, and Dark Iris No. 1 by Georgia O’Keeffe.

CC staff, faculty, and students always receive free admission to the museum! Space is limited at this event, so reservations are encouraged.

Photo provided by the FAC.

Roll up your sleeves and raise your glass—Center Stage is going full “paint night.” With a themed cocktail in hand, create your own wildflower masterpiece as an art instructor guides you through each step. Expect color, laughter, and plenty of chances to chat with new friends as your canvas blooms into something uniquely yours. Whether you’re a seasoned arts lover or trying something creative for the very first time, this relaxed, social workshop is the perfect way to enjoy the arts while supporting a great cause before the theatre show The Roommate begins. This event is 21+. Check our website for more information.

Friday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Themed cocktail: Lavender Vodka Spritz

First year Bonner Fellows and Community Engaged Scholars enjoy the sand dunes on their Block 2 service trip. Photo provided by Sarah Elsey