Pioneer Astrophysicist to Deliver USM’s Rayborn Lecture on April 5

Mon, 03/21/2022 - 11:17am | By: Ivonne Kawas

Dr. Sara Seager, a pioneer in the vast world of exoplanets, will be the featured keynote speaker for the Fifth Annual Grayson H. and Jane Dishong Rayborn Lecture Series in Physics, set for April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg Campus.

Dr. Seager is an astrophysicist and a professor of physics and planetary science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is known for her pioneering research on exoplanets and their atmospheres.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Seager join us for this year’s Rayborn Lecture. She has been a leader in the detection and study of exoplanets, planets that orbit stars other than our sun. She is not only an outstanding scientist, but she also has an excellent reputation as a public lecturer and author. This is going to be a fascinating talk,” said Dr. Chris Winstead, Dean of USM’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Seager’s thought-provoking keynote presentation titled, “Exoplanets and the Search for Life Beyond Earth,” will explain, in layman’s terms, the exciting field of exoplanet research and her quest for the holy grail to find and identify an Earth-type planet and signs of life on them. She will also share the latest advances in this revolutionary field.

For thousands of years, inspired by the star-filled dark night sky, people have wondered what lies beyond Earth. Today, the search for signs of life is a key factor in modern-day planetary exploration. Astronomers have found thousands of planets that orbit nearby stars, called “exoplanets.” The newly launched James Webb Space telescope will enable them to study gases in rocky exoplanet atmospheres, including gases that might be attributed to life.

Amongst many accolades for her research, Dr. Seager was awarded a MacArthur “Genius” Grant and has Asteroid 9729 named in her honor. She is the author of The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir.

The Rayborn Lecture provides students, faculty, staff and the community the opportunity to be exposed to the world’s leading scientists and their breakthrough research.

“As always, we are forever grateful to Dr. Grayson H. and Jane Dishong Rayborn for their donation that enables us to continue to host prominent physicists as they present their groundbreaking work to the community,” said Dr. Winstead.

“As students witness real-life success stories in science, this exposure to leading thinkers can broaden their perspectives and serve as inspiration for them to explore the possibilities within their fields.”

About the Series

In 2015, through a generous donation to The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Grayson H. Rayborn established the Grayson H. and Jane Dishong Rayborn Lecture Series in Physics and Astronomy. In 1970, Dr. Rayborn joined the USM faculty and served until his retirement in a distinguished career in teaching, research, service, and administration. During his career, Dr. Rayborn served as chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, associate dean of the College of Science and Technology, and director of the School of Mathematical Sciences, as well as professor of physics and astronomy. Upon retirement, in recognition of his distinguished service to the University, Dr. Rayborn was awarded the title of professor emeritus of physics and astronomy.