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Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

チャンダ・プレスコード＝ワインスタイン

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Profile

Gender
Unknown
Born
null （El Sereno, Los Angeles, California, U.S.）
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Religion
Reconstructionist Judaism
Residence History
El Sereno (Los Angeles) → Waterloo, Canada / Perimeter Institute (research affiliation) → Cambridge, MA / MIT → Seattle, WA / University of Washington → Durham, NH / University of New Hampshire

Career

Occupations
theoretical cosmologist, particle physicist, science writer, university professor, activist
Active Years
2003-
Affiliations
Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Washington, University of New Hampshire, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
Memberships
National Society of Black Physicists (executive committee), Reconstructing Judaism (former Chair, Jews of Color and Allies Advisory Group)
Influenced By
Lee Smolin, Niayesh Afshordi, Ann Nelson
Influenced
Particles for Justice (movement and related researcher community), Students and early-career researchers, especially Black women in physics

Education

Harvard College
College (Physics & Astronomy) / Physics and Astronomy
Degree: B.A.（物理学・天文学）
Period: 1999–2003
Year of Graduation: 2003
Country: United States
Undergraduate thesis: A study of winds in active galactic nuclei
University of California, Santa Cruz
Graduate (Astronomy) / Astronomy
Degree: M.S.（天文学）
Period: 2004–2005
Year of Graduation: 2005
Country: United States
Worked with Anthony Aguirre
University of Waterloo (research conducted at Perimeter Institute)
Graduate (Science) / Physics (Quantum gravity / Cosmology)
Degree: Ph.D.
Period: 2006–2010
Year of Graduation: 2010
Country: Canada
Doctoral dissertation on cosmic acceleration as quantum gravity phenomenology (supervisors: Lee Smolin, Niayesh Afshordi)

Awards

Phi Beta Kappa Award for Science
2022
Organization: Phi Beta Kappa
Result: 受賞
Edward A. Bouchet Award
2021
Organization: American Physical Society
Result: 受賞
Los Angeles Times Book Prize (Science & Technology)
2022
Work: The Disordered Cosmos
Category: Science & Technology
Organization: Los Angeles Times
Result: 受賞
PEN Oakland – Josephine Miles Literary Award
2022
Work: The Disordered Cosmos
Category: ノンフィクション
Organization: PEN Oakland
Result: 受賞
Infinite Kilometer Award
2013
Organization: MIT School of Science
Result: 受賞
LGBT+ Physicists Acknowledgement of Excellence Award
2017
Organization: LGBT+ Physicists
Result: 受賞
Barbados House Canada Inc. Gordon C Bynoe Scholarship
2007
Organization: Barbados House Canada Inc.
Result: 受賞
Nature's 10 (2020)
2020
Organization: Nature
Result: 選出

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred

2021 Science non-fiction (popular science / essays)

A popular-science book that explores dark matter and spacetime while examining the relationship between science and society—particularly issues of race, gender, and inclusion. It blends personal narrative, history of science, and discussion of contemporary theoretical physics to critically reflect on how science is practiced and who is recognized within it.

dark matterspacetimescience and societydiversity and inclusion

Bibliography

  • Prescod-Weinstein, Chanda (2021). The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred.

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Accessible, explanatory science writingEssayistic blend of personal narrative and academic discussionCritical and reflective perspective on scientific institutions and culture
Recurring Motifs
Observers and frameworks of knowledge productionStructures of inclusion and exclusionIntersection of personal experience and scientific inquiry

Legacy

Known for contributions to theoretical cosmology and particle physics and for activism promoting diversity and inclusion in science. Through popular writing and public engagement, she has raised awareness of the social dimensions of scientific practice.

Academic Societies

  • American Physical Society (awardee / engagement)
  • National Society of Black Physicists (involved)

In Popular Culture

  • Selected for Nature's "Nature's 10" (2020)
  • Frequent appearances and writing in mainstream media and columns

Quotes

  • “G-d is not necessarily a supernatural presence, but rather a concept that holds space for how we spiritually connect with our sense of what the universe is about, what life is about.”
    Source: Interview / essay (source: Hey Alma / public interviews) (2023)

Trivia

  • Daughter of activist/author Margaret Prescod
  • Granddaughter of feminist Selma James and step-granddaughter of C. L. R. James
  • Identifies as queer and agender
  • Worked on a database cataloguing professional publications by Black women with PhDs in physics-related disciplines
  • Joined the faculty at University of New Hampshire and earned tenure in 2023