Get Physical: Making Space Data Real on Earth
Most of us dream about space exploration - but haven't yet touched those stars ourselves. Can earth science and other open data connect us physically and personally to the exploration of the universe? It could be that the Space Station is overhead; it could be that a solar storm has exceeded a threshold; or that in space it is very very cold. Can we adorn and decorate our lives with what we've learned from space? Can we bring data close to us to engage us physically in far-off exploration- and let those interactions to change our digital lives? We'll look at a variety of real space data and the international, cross-disciplinary collaborations that can discover its secrets. There is a certain thrill that you feel when you know that you are connected to something. From our earliest use of technology to synchronize and connect communities we have used simple interactions and design to inform people, providing connections to things and places beyond ourselves. Let's see what's possible.
Presenters
I'm a digital jeweller and a design researcher. I like working closely with people to find out some of the things that are most meaningful to them and then making digital jewellery that responds to and echoes these fragments of meaning. Making digital jewellery with and for individuals with dementia has been a focus in my work over the last 5 years and I'm ever intrigued and excited my the potential of the digital to enchant, connect and bring new meanings to our world.
I like asking questions, listening to the answers, and singing in public. I've studied (and taught) classics, cross-cultural communication, and theology... and now I am the community advocate for NASA's Open Government Initiative and the project manager for the International Space Apps Challenge, where I help engage both the workforce and the global community in our mission to pioneer the future. #DareMightyThings #SpaceApps
David McGloin is the Head of the Division of Physics at the University of Dundee in Scotland. His research interests include using light to manipulate microscopic particles using tools called optical tweezers. He studies cellular adhesion processes as well as the interaction of aerosols in the atmosphere using nothing more than the force generated by light.
Monday, March 11
