I am Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein (she/her, audio of “Chahnda Prescahd-Winestine” pronounciation), an Associate Professor of Physics and Core Faculty Member in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of New Hampshire. My scientific work lives at the intersection of particle physics, cosmology, and astrophysics, and while I am primarily a theoretical researcher, I maintain strong ties to observational astronomy. I was a topical convener for Dark Matter: Cosmic Probes in the Snowmass 2021 process, and I am lead axion wrangler for the NASA STROBE-X Probe Concept Study. I want to understand the biggest story there is: the origin and history of the universe. I am also a theorist of Black feminist science studies, and in 2022 I launched the Cite Black Women+ in Physics and Astronomy Bibliography. Learn more about my science and read my full bio.
I am a monthly columnist at New Scientist and a contributing columnist at Physics World. Read about why I co-led the call for a June 10, 2020 Strike for Black Lives at the Particles for Justice website. In 2022, I won the inaugural Top Prize for mid- to late-career in the National Academies Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communication.
The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred, my book on science for general audiences is now available and won a 2021 Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a 2022 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award, and the 2022 Phi Beta Kappa Award for Science. It was also a finalist for a 2021 New England Book Award, a 2021 Brooklyn Public Library Literary Prize, and the 2022 PEN/EO Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, in addition to being longlisted for the 2022 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature. Watch tour event recordings and press here. Sign up for my newsletter here. My next book, The Edge of Space-Time, is under contract with Pantheon Books.
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I was named as one of 10 people who helped shape science in 2020 as part of Nature’s 10, and I am the 2021 American Physical Society Edward A. Bouchet Award recipient, with the citation:
“For contributions to theoretical cosmology and particle physics, ranging from axion physics to models of inflation to alternative models of dark energy, for tireless efforts in increasing inclusivity in physics, and for co-creating the Particles for Justice movement.”
I was also recognized with the 2021 UNH College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Award for Excellence in Research by an Assistant Professor and a 2021 UNH Sustainability Award the Gold Level. Essence Magazine recognized me as one of 15 Black Women Who Are Paving the Way in STEM and Breaking Barriers, and VICE Motherboard recognized me as one of their Humans2020. My personal story and ideas have been featured in several venues, including Tech Crunch, Huffington Post, Gizmodo, Nylon, and the African-American Intellectual History Society.
“I used to want the words ‘She tried’ on my tombstone. Now I want ‘She did it.’”
On March 15, 2017 I received the 2017 LGBT+ Physicists Acknowledgement of Excellence Award "For Years of Dedicated Effort in Changing Physics Culture to be More Inclusive and Understanding Toward All Marginalized Peoples."
Being an activist for equality in science is not only an enriching experience, it's also part of getting science done. For a 30 minute overview of my research and life in science, enjoy the following opening plenary from the 2017 Women in Physics Canada meeting:
image of M82 Starburst galaxy courtesy of Hubble