Master student inspires youths during Nobel Week
Danya Mohamad, master student at KTH, is one of 25 selected students who will hold a lecture during the Nobel Week, arranged by Stockholm Youth International Science Seminar (SIYSS).
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–I feel quite honoured to be able to participate. The core message, that we make the pursuit of science feel attainable, is something I really believe in. I think it’s really good for young people to have a variety of role models especially some that are closer to their own age.
What are you going to lecture about?
–My talk will be on “Environmental Quantum Laser Ranging”, which in slightly less abstract terms, is about using LIDAR for atmospheric remote gas sensing. LIDAR stands for light detection and ranging, in our case, we use a light pulse to gauge both the distance and concentration of a particular greenhouse gas.
Why have you chosen this particular topic?
–The topic sort of chose me. I originally was interested in quantum communication and had contacted Dr. Val Zwiller asking if he knew of any available projects. He put me in touch with his post-doc, Dr. Art Branny, who brought up a project looking at LiDAR using superconducting nanowire single photon detectors for the purpose of atmospheric remote gas sensing.
You will also participate in several other activities during the Nobel Week – which ones?
–Our schedule includes a variety of activities. We will be attending the Nobel lectures in Chemistry and Physics, doing study visits, a few social and cultural activities, and the Nobel prize ceremony.
What do you hope to get out of all this?
– Ultimately, I hope to be able to inspire younger students to be open to new ideas and to take initiative to pursue the areas of science that they find interesting. I’m also quite excited to be meeting the other students who will be presenting as well and learning more about them, their projects, and experiences.
Text: Christer Gummeson