Talk at the university was a refreshing experience
By Lethbridge Herald on April 21, 2023.
Editor:
On April 6, I attended a talk given by Berke Vom Ricketti at the U of L with the title of “The temporal coherence properties of sunlight”. I like learning, but my lack of background information left me struggling with what was delivered.
Berke completed his Masters degree in Physics (MPhys) from Herio-Watt University, Edinburgh in 2017 and followed it with a PhD (Degree in Doctor in Philosophy) in 2022.
This four-year study was entitled “An empirical study of the temporal coherence properties of sunlight in the context of photosynthesis”. His work was reviewed by learned colleagues at Herio-Watt University for completeness and accuracy. Berke defended his thesis successfully and he was awarded the PhD in physics.
This thesis, of 213 pages, was the basis of his talk. A thesis explains the prevailing knowledge of the subject matter, describes the methods applied in the studies and the new data created. The discussion in a thesis relates the new data to existing knowledge as recorded in journals and books. Berke’s thesis listed some 173 references of previous knowledge. His thesis secured him his present position at the department of Physics and Astronomy, U of L as a Postdoctoral Fellow.
It is appreciated that the talk Berke delivered reflects years of learning, dedication, effort, frustrations and sacrifices.
But above all else it reflected his desire to want to know how nature works, the relationship of sunlight and photosynthesis in this case.
The talk was followed by questions asked by the learned audience with liberal discussion. This serves as a continuation of the desire to help in this process of knowledge acquisition.
It was a refreshing experience to be part of such a cooperative atmosphere of wanting to know.
Hopefully society will never give up on this process of learning about the endless puzzles provided by nature.
Acquisition of facts is hard work, whereas voicing of opinions is much easier.
Klaus Jericho
Lethbridge
14-13
excellent outlook – thank you for taking the time to share a most positive, enlightening experience.