It's
not
every
day
that
an
undergrad
is
invited
to
address
a
more
experienced
and
educated
audience.
But physics major Nathan Bianco '21 was recently invited to share his research with the Cuyahoga Astronomical Society, which included university professors, along with highly knowledgeable amateurs and enthusiasts, in the audience.
Bianco's topic for the 45-minute presentation, "Physics of the Early Universe," explored the physics of the Big Bang, nucleosynthesis and star formation.
"The
talk
essentially
built
the
Big
Bang
theory
of
today
using
discoveries,
evidence
and
tested
predictions,
and
showed
how
the
data
lines
up
almost
exactly
to
our
current
understanding
of
the
universe,"
Bianco
explained.
"I am always impressed when our students take on difficult research topics," said Professor Gary Kader, director of BW's Burrell Memorial Observatory. "The most impressive part is when they put themselves out front to present what they have learned."
A transfer student from the University of Dayton, Bianco came to BW in search of purpose and direction. He found both in Dr. Ed Meyer's general physics class, where he was captivated by the challenge of problem-solving.
"Something clicked," Bianco stated. "I understood that I was learning skills that would equip me not only for a career but for success in my life in general."
His aim after graduation is to obtain a Ph.D. in cosmology and teach at the university level. To reach that goal, Bianco challenges himself with the most difficult courses he can take.
"I now believe that I can do anything," he said. "But I also know I will have to work at it."
