Astrophysics, Moon Cycles, and Indigenous Knowledge | Laurie Rousseau Nepton | Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics | Season 5 Ep. 1 | #76
Description
In this episode, I spoke to Dr. Laurie Rousseau Nepton, the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a PhD in astrophysics. Laurie, the principal investigator of the SIGNALS project, shares her journey from observing the night sky on an Indigenous reservation to mapping 50,000 star-forming regions in nearby galaxies. The conversation delves into her unique perspective on life, shaped by both her scientific pursuits and her cultural heritage, highlighting the rich cultural practices shared across Indigenous communities in Canada.We explore the potential impact of the moon cycle on human energy levels, emphasizing the broader interconnectedness of all things in nature. Laurie recounts her experiences of learning to hunt and being in tune with nature's rhythms, illustrating the importance of reconnecting with the natural world. We discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing academic paths, advocating for a systems-based approach to education that incorporates traditional knowledge and community connections. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Laurie's Website: https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/about/glance/new-faculty/2023-24/laurie-rousseau-nepton
United States
