Katarina Hein & Becca Mann of the University of Manitoba OPUS (Organization of Physics Undergraduate Students)

The Smoko Podcast

Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week we're joined by two amazing guests: Katarina Hein and Becca Mann, physicists from the University of Manitoba. Katarina and Becca bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the show, offering an engaging and educational conversation about physics, the universe, community, and mentorship.

Katarina Hein dives into the world of medical physics, where she studies the mathematics behind medical imaging technologies such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound. She shares her journey into biomedical physics, sparked by her interest in combining biology and physics, and talks about her exciting internship in Germany where she worked with cutting-edge event-based sensors. These sensors operate differently from traditional frame-based cameras, offering new ways to analyze visual data in medical contexts.

Becca Mann takes us on a journey through the cosmos with her work in astrophysics. Specializing in observational astrophysics, Becca studies neutron stars, the dense remnants of supernova explosions. She explains the lifecycle of stars, from their formation to their potential end as black holes, white dwarfs, or neutron stars. Becca also delves into the concept of the heat death of the universe and the role of Hawking radiation in black hole evaporation, offering listeners a glimpse into some of the most profound questions about the universe's future.

Beyond their scientific endeavors, Katarina and Becca discuss their roles as executive members of the Organization of Physics Undergraduate Students (Opus) at the University of Manitoba. They talk about the importance of community outreach and the challenges and triumphs of being women in STEM fields.

This episode is packed with fascinating insights and thought-provoking discussions, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in physics, the universe, and the inspiring stories of women in science. Join us for a mind-expanding conversation that bridges the gap between the microscopic and the cosmic.
OPUS:
https://opus-uofm.github.io/web/
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