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Brian Nord

Visiting Scholar 2022-2023 Associate scientist, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Visiting research assistant professor, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago Senior member, Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics, University of Chicago
The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific and religious freedom have always been in the minority… It will take such a small committed minority to work unrelentingly to win the uncommitted majority. Such a group may transform America’s greatest dilemma into her most glorious opportunity.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Background

Brian Nord is an associate scientist in Fermilab’s Machine Intelligence Group, which seeks to apply AI to modern challenges in high-energy physics. He is also a visiting research assistant professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and a senior member of the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics at the University of Chicago. Nord holds MS and PhD degrees in physics from University of Michigan, and a BA in physics from Johns Hopkins University.

Interests

Nord’s research focuses on teaching machines to search for clues of the universe’s origin and destiny. He uses artificial intelligence to study the cosmos, including dark energy, dark matter, and the early universe. He actively works on statistical modeling of strong gravitational lenses, the cosmic microwave background, and galaxy clusters. Nord also develops techniques to integrate physical principles into deep learning models and to interpret neural networks.

Nord is a leader in the movement to address inequities and oppression in academic and research environments. To develop justice-oriented communities and forward anti-racism, he co-created the academic #Strike4BlackLives, co-founded the Deep Skies Community, co-founded the Change Now team at Fermilab, and co-authored ThisIsBlackLight.com, a curriculum for learning about Black experiences.

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