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Finding measurable effects that allow astronomers to verify their theories has become
a mission for Julia Pulwicki, a physics and astronomy student majoring in astrophysics
and minoring in computer science. “I decided to study black holes because they are
key to understanding Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. In particular, studying how
light interacts with black holes gives theorists insight into how the universe works, and
provides astronomers with new ways to explore the heavens.”
And her research has produced new work that has made the astronomy community take
notice. “I loved being able to focus on a topic and work one on one with my supervisor.
I hadn’t had that opportunity before this research project,” says Pulwicki. “The work and
results I’ve been able to conclude are way better than getting an A in the classroom
because I’m not just regurgitating from a literature review – I really get what it all means.”
Pulwicki focused on the Theory of Relativity because it contains many unanswered
questions, despite a century worth of research by the best physicists in the world. With
an understanding that general relativity fits many diverse astrophysical systems,
Pulwicki was able to give physicists new results they can use to study magnetized black
holes and other extreme objects like neutron stars and pulsars.
“Being able to do primary research will help me pursue my PhD aspirations,” says
Pulwicki. “This experience and the results I was able to get certainly helped set me apart
from my fellow students. That is making a difference in my life today and will certainly
help me achieve my plans in the future.”
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