The University of Arizona’s first-ever Galaxy Slam brought together two of the university’s biggest strengths – space science and basketball – in a weeklong celebration.
The events, which ran Feb. 14-21, included public lectures, planetarium shows, trivia nights and a signature basketball game against BYU, which the Wildcats won. Three of the six scientists featured during the celebration spoke with Lo Que Pasa about what the initiative meant to them and why it matters for the university community.
University of Arizona scientists and senior leadership enjoy the spotlight on the McKale Memorial Center court during the men’s basketball game against BYU.
Image courtesy of University Marketing and Communications
From the basketball court to the cosmos
Marcia Rieke, a Regents Professor in Steward Observatory and principal investigator for NIRCam aboard the James Webb Telescope, has experienced teamwork from both sides. Rieke played basketball at Massachusetts Institute of Technology before building a five-decade career in infrared astronomy at the U of A and sees plenty of overlap between running a research group and being part of an athletic team. Both, she said, depend on assembling the right team members and working toward a shared goal.
For Rieke, Galaxy Slam was an opportunity for everyone at the university, regardless of their role, to see the full picture of the scientific work happening on campus. The university is well known for its athletic programs, she said, but there is just as much to celebrate on the research side, including the contribution that work makes to the local economy by bringing highly skilled technical talent to Tucson.
Image courtesy of University Marketing and Communications
“Everyone who works here is contributing to a place that does really great things,” Rieke said.
Among the more playful elements of Galaxy Slam were limited-edition scientist trading cards, modeled after traditional sports trading cards that feature player photos and statistics on the back. For Rieke, the cards sent a clear message that the university is serious about celebrating the faculty and staff behind its space research.
Chasing black holes and fast breaks
Kate Alexander, an astronomer in Steward Observatory who studies transient cosmic events like newly active black holes, saw a direct parallel between the fast pace of basketball and her own research. Her team isn’t looking for the perfect opening for a three-point shot, she said, but when a new black hole lights up across the universe, the response demands the same instinct to spring into action and work together to collect data before the moment passes.
As part of the celebration, all six scientists were filmed at McKale Center for a promotional video. Alexander, who never played sports in college, said the experience was one she didn’t expect.
“I never thought I’d get to go stand out in the middle of the basketball court. That was very special,” Alexander said.
A moment captured from the Trivia night.
Image courtesy of Student Union Marketing
Alexander said much of the best work in the department is being led by students, and she hopes Galaxy Slam helps more people across campus appreciate that. Getting to interact with student researchers is what makes excites her most about coming to work every day. She added that the trading cards could play a role in inspiring the next generation, too.
“I hope that looking at the cards makes students think, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you could that’, and then spark new interest,” Alexander said.
Steward Observatory recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary, and Galaxy Slam, to Alexander, felt like a fitting way to carry that legacy forward.
More than wins and losses
Carlos Vargas, an astronomer in Steward Observatory and principal investigator for NASA’s Aspera space telescope mission, said he was immediately excited by the concept. Like Alexander, Vargas found the filming at McKale to be a memorable experience.
“I kind of let myself throw caution to the wind and commit to it fully,” Vargas said.
Vargas said the trading cards were a particularly effective way to reach people. When a 10-year-old collects a scientist’s card the same way they would an athlete’s, he said, it helps broaden what they might see as possible for themselves.
Provost Patricia Precook (extreme right) distributing the trading cards, Tyler Robinson (in the center with a pen) signing the cards, and Carlos Vargas (standing to the right of Tyler Robinson).
Image courtesy of University Marketing and Communications
“Seeing yourself on one is a really surreal experience, not something I ever expected to see,” said Vargas, who played baseball in high school and college and still plays in a city league in Tucson.
Vargas also pointed to the shared experience of learning from failure in both athletics and research. The best teams win and lose games, but what makes them great is what they learn and how they respond, according to Vargas. The same is true for scientists who face rejected proposals and critical peer reviews.
If Galaxy Slam becomes an annual tradition, all three scientists said they hope it continues to grow. Rieke would like to see a rotating cast of featured faculty members each year. Alexander hopes other departments across the university get their turn. Vargas envisions something more hands-on, such as lab tours and immersive experiences that invite the university community to see space research up close.
“I would love folks across Tucson to come in and see what we’re doing firsthand,” Vargas said. “That’s an open invitation.”