(April 29) Serendipity and contrarianism in scientific research: Hit 'em where they ain't

When:  Apr 29, 2023 from 10:30 to 12:00 (PT)
Associated with  Los Angeles-Las Vegas Section

RSVP and Information: https://conta.cc/3Ylr52t

Please join us for an insightful meeting with the AIAA LA-LV Section on Saturday, April 29, 2023:

AIAA LA-LV 4/29 Section Town Hall Meeting (Hybrid)
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM PDT (GMT -0700)
(US and Canada)
Serendipity and contrarianism in scientific research:
Hit 'em where they ain't
(An AIAA LA-LV Section Hybrid Meeting)

by
Prof. Paul D. Ronney
Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

(The speaker will present in person.)

Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE), room 406 (Conference Room)
University of Southern California (USC)
3650 Mcclintock Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90089
https://www.campus-maps.com/usc/olin-hall-ohe/
(South of 10 Hwy, West of 101 Hwy, East of 405 Hwy, North of 105 Hwy)

(also online for a hybrid event)
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Serendipity and contrarianism in scientific research:
Hit 'em where they ain't

Almost every great scientific or technological discovery involves a degree of serendipity, i.e.,a chance encounter with unexpected results. This is no coincidence, for if one already expects aparticular result and research confirms the expectation, nothing fundamentally new waslearned. Examples of great serendipitous discoveries include Teflon™, radioactivity, nitrocellulosicexplosives, LSD, the Big Bang and the microwave oven. In each of these cases, when unexpectedresults presented themselves the investigators were able to identify their significance instead ofmerely dismissing them as failures. Another key aspect of discovery is contrarianism, that is,challenging accepted wisdom in order to resolve its weaknesses or contradictions. Examples includequantum mechanics, relativity and anthropomorphically-induced climate change.This seminar discusses some famous examples of serendipitous and contrarianistic scientific ortechnological discoveries as well as my own less-famous examples in the fields combustion, catalysis,photobleaching velocimetry and biophysics. Suggestions to fledgling researchers will be given onhow to identify serendipitous yet consequential results and when/how to stand firm in the face ofadversity resulting from contrarianistic views.
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Thank you so much for your attention and response. Look forward to seeing you in the event.

When
Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM PDT
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Tentative Agenda: (All Time PDT (GMT -0700)) (US and Canada)
10:20 am: Welcome and Introduction
10:30 am: Presentation
11:30 am: Q&A
12:00 pm: Adjourn.

Where
*****This is a hybrid meting, with in-person and online attendance. The speaker will speak online.

*In-person attendance:

Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE), room 406 (Conference Room)
University of Southern California (USC)
3650 Mcclintock Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90089
https://www.campus-maps.com/usc/olin-hall-ohe/
(South of 10 Hwy, West of 101 Hwy, East of 405 Hwy, North of 105 Hwy)

(also online for a hybrid event)

*Online attendance:
Zoom connection information will be provided in the confirmation email after registration / RSVP.

Contact
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Los Angeles - Las Vegas Section
949-426-8175
events.aiaalalv@gmail.com

Location

Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE), Room 406 (Conference Room)
University of Southern California (USC)
3650 Mcclintock Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Dial-in Instructions:
Please RSVP conta.cc/3Ylr52t and receive the ticket/confirmation email (with Zoom in/Dial in information). Please check your Spam, Junk, or Promotions folder right after successful registration, if not in the Inbox.
Online Instructions:
Url: https://aiaa.zoom.us
Login: Please RSVP conta.cc/3Ylr52t and receive the ticket/confirmation email (with Zoom in/Dial in information). Please check your Spam, Junk, or Promotions folder right after successful registration, if not in the Inbox.
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Contact

Events/Program Chair
(949)426-8175
events.aiaalalv@gmail.com