Ultrafast lasers and Archimedes - Scientists & Engineers on Sofas (and other furnishings)

Ivy Kupec from the NSF interviews physicist Margaret Mernan about her work with lasers. Margaret shares her early inspiration from Archimedes and her journey into laser research. They discuss femtosecond lasers, their applications, and the lab's focus on developing new laser technologies. Margaret emphasizes the importance of discovery in science, sharing a story of a student's Eureka moment. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation.

What inspired Margaret Mernan to pursue a career in science?

How did Margaret Mernan's early experiences with lasers influence her research?

What are femtosecond lasers and why are they significant in Margaret's research?

What role do lasers play in modern scientific research according to the conversation?

In what ways can lasers be used for precise measurements?

What does it mean for a student to be considered a scientist according to Margaret?

Describe the relationship between discovery and communication in the scientific process as discussed in the interview.