Matthew Malkan is a Distinguished Professor of Astronomy at UCLA and a member of CLAFI’s Steering Committee. Matt’s research focuses on the two primary sources of energy in the universe since the Big Bang: fusion power in stars and accretion power from massive black holes. In addition to teaching, Matt is a member of the National Science Board and the principal investigator of a research project on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The first part of this episode is a March 2020 conversation between John Keevan-Lynch and Matthew Malkan, where they discuss Matt’s academic journey and the role of astrophysics in illuminating the origins of the universe.

The second part of this episode is a May 2021 conversation between Aldo Schwartz and Matthew Malkan, where they discuss Matt’s recent work with the James Webb Space Telescope, the existence of aliens, and the future of life on earth.

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The Office Hours podcast is sponsored by CLAFI, the UCLA Center for Liberal Arts and Free Institutions. CLAFI’s purpose is to study great literary, artistic, and cultural achievements, with particular emphasis on the foundations of free institutions. Through undergraduate course offerings and public events, CLAFI serves UCLA students and faculty as well as the general public.

CLAFI also has a Student Club that, along with promoting and attending the Center’s lectures, hosts its own events such as movie nights, short story readings, and faculty-led seminars. The club also supports student-led projects that promote the liberal arts, like this podcast.

To get involved with the Center or its Student Club, visit our website at clafi.ucla.edu

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