Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an accomplished theoretical physicist and advocate for diversity in science, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Physics and Core Faculty in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of New Hampshire. She specializes in early universe cosmology, particle physics, and dark matter research while also focusing on Black feminist science studies.

Education and Academic Background

• Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Waterloo (2011), where she conducted her dissertation on "Cosmic acceleration as Quantum Gravity Phenomenology" under the guidance of Lee Smolin.
• M.S. in Astronomy from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2005).
• A.B. in Physics and Astronomy from Harvard University (2003).

Research Focus

Prescod-Weinstein's research encompasses:

• Theoretical studies on dark matter candidates, particularly axions.
• Cosmological models related to inflation and dark energy.
• Observational astronomy connections, including involvement in NASA's STROBE-X Probe Concept Study.

Publications and Contributions

She has authored numerous significant papers in reputed journals, contributing to our understanding of dark matter and cosmological phenomena. Her book, The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred, has received multiple accolades, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Science & Technology.

Advocacy and Recognition

Chanda is a prominent advocate for increasing diversity within the scientific community. She co-founded the Particles for Justice movement and initiated the Cite Black Women+ in Physics and Astronomy Bibliography. Her efforts have earned her several awards:

• The 2021 Edward A. Bouchet Award from the American Physical Society.
• Recognition by Nature as one of the ten people who shaped science in 2020.
• Featured in Essence Magazine as one of 15 Black women making strides in STEM.

In addition to her academic work, she writes columns for New Scientist and Physics World, discussing both scientific topics and issues of representation in science.

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein's multifaceted career highlights not only her contributions to physics but also her commitment to social justice within the scientific community.