Nia Imara: Interconnected: A Journey Through Inner and Outer Space (CIERA Interdisciplinary Colloquium)

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Nia Imara is an artist and astrophysicist whose body of work reflects her love for vibrant color, people, and their stories.  Nia studied astrophysics at UC Berkeley and did her postdoctoral research at Harvard University. She is currently a professor of astronomy at UC Santa Cruz, where she investigates how stars are born in the Milky Way and other galaxies throughout the universe.  Nia is the founder/director of Onaketa, a nonprofit that provides free STEM tutoring and other educational resources to black and brown youth.

"How do art and science intersect?  As an astronomer and visual artist, it’s a question I’m often asked.  My astronomy research aims to illuminate how stars are born in vast “stellar nurseries” residing in our Milky Way Galaxy and beyond. My art is steeped in black culture and centers on people. How do the two go together?  In this talk, I will invite the audience on a journey through inner and outer space and share some of what inspires me as an artist-scientist.  In doing so, we will explore some potential connections between art and science and how culture plays a major role in both of these uniquely human endeavors."

Program presented by Northwestern Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA). Image of Nia Imara by Rachel Bujalski for Quanta Magazine.

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About CIERA

The mission of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics is to promote research and education in astrophysics through support of independent postdoctoral fellows, advanced graduate and undergraduate research, a vigorous visiting researchers program, and multi-faceted seminars, education, and public outreach programs. Special emphasis is given to interdisciplinary connections with computer science, applied math, statistics, electrical and mechanical engineering, planetary science, education and the arts.

Contact The Block Museum of Art for more information: (847) 491-4000 or email us at block-museum@northwestern.edu