In this fascinating episode of the Nôhcimihk podcast, we sit down with Corey Gray, a Scottish and Blackfoot physicist from the Siksika Nation. Corey shares his unique journey from growing up in southern California to becoming a key figure in the ground-breaking LIGO project, which made historic strides in gravitational wave detection. Alongside discussing his scientific endeavors, Corey delves into the significant role his culture plays in his life and work, including his efforts, alongside his mother, to weave Blackfoot knowledge and language into the fabric of the scientific discovery at LIGO.
Join us as Corey explores the intersections of identity, culture, and science, and shares his passions—from interpreting science to kayaking with his hand-built wooden kayak and his love for his brilliant mother. This episode is a deep dive into how our backgrounds can shape our careers in unexpected and enriching ways.
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Resources & Links
LIGO Project: Learn more about the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) where Corey works and explore the fascinating world of gravitational waves.
https://humansofligo.blogspot.com/2019/01/corey-gray_22.html
Media Interviews and Stories: Check out a selection of interviews and articles featuring Corey Gray, highlighting his work at LIGO and his efforts to incorporate the Blackfoot language into scientific contexts:
YouTube Lecture from Dr. Corey Gray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iGUfzOe7Js
CBC Article https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/corey-gray-siksika-blackfoot-nation-mcgyver-1.5145208
Corey and His Mother's Work: Discover the impactful collaboration between Corey and his mother in integrating the Blackfoot language with scientific discovery.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/corey-gray-sharon-yellowfly-making-siksika-nation-proud-shambery
https://spacegrant.org/2020/10/29/meet-the-mother-son-duo-translating-astrophysics-into-blackfoot/ National Public Radio: https://www.npr.org/2019/03/31/706032203/how-a-cosmic-collision-sparked-a-native-american-translators-labor-of-love & https://www.npr.org/2022/11/11/1136191593/corey-gray-is-picking-up-cosmic-vibrations
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