GW calendar logoThe universe doesn’t change, but our fundamental knowledge of it keeps advancing, sometimes in leaps and bounds that take the work of generations of scientists before new knowledge is incorporated into our models. Astrophysicist Katie Mack is one of the people pushing the theoretical limits of astrophysics and cosmology and trying to sort it all out.

Mack will be speaking at Ada’s Technical Books and Café (425 15th Ave East, Seattle) at 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Jan. 13, about the postdoctoral research that she conducts at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and much more. It’s free and no tickets are required. She and thousands of scientists were recently in Seattle for the American Astronomical Society’s annual meeting to talk science, jobs, and grants.

Katie Mack
Katie Mack

Mack will talk about what got her into this field, her work figuring out what dark matter actually is, and the latest in black-hole theory — including explaining precisely what Stephen Hawking’s bet about black holes was, and what the current thinking is about whether he’s won or lost it. While Mack studies esoteric subjects that require years of work to master and advance the field, she’s committed to making new developments in her areas of science comprehensible to a broad audience. She’s also an advocate for improving the diversity of those entering her field.

She’ll be interviewed by Seattle science and technology reporter Glenn Fleishman, a regular contributor to the Economist magazine, Macworld and Boing Boing, and a veteran radio guest and podcast host.

The talk and questions and answers will be broadcast live on the Internet, where listeners can pose questions. Questions can also be asked in advance or during the event using the hashtag #AskKatieMack. The podcast version will be distributed on GeekWire after the event.

That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Keep reading and visit the full calendar for more.

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????How Much is Your Startup Worth?

Valuing a startup is a tricky business. Entrepreneurs and investors all have different goals and agendas. This workshop is an opportunity to navigate the difficult waters of valuation. A panel of experts will offer advice and answer questions and you’ll have the chance to meet other entrepreneurs experiencing the same challenges. Tickets are available for $25 here.

When and where: Jan. 15, 5:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. One Union Square Boardroom, Seattle.

enteringstartupStartup Day Warm-Up

GeekWire’s annual Startup Day is coming up on Jan. 30, and we’re partnering with 9Mile to kick off festivities at this Eastside warm-up event. Hear from Inrix CEO and former Microsoft general manager Bryan Mistele; Hointer CEO and former Amazon.com Vice President Nadia Shouraboura and others. A networking event will follow the panel discussion. All attendees will a 15% discount to Startup Day. RSVP for free here.

When and where: Jan. 20, 4:00p.m. – 6:30p.m. Nytec Product Innovation Center, Kirkland. 

New Tech Seattlenew tech seattle

The monthly New Tech Seattle group is gathering for a special Seahawks-themed meetup this month. VellVett will perform We Run This City #1, the anthem that carried the team into the Super Bowl last year. Refreshments and networking will kick off the evening, followed by presentations from LoveToThank, LishFood, Bizible, and more. Tickets are available for $10 in advance here or $20 at the door.

When and where: Jan. 20, 5:30p.m. – 8:00p.m. Cornish Playhouse, Seattle.

conveyuxConvey UX

This conference is an opportunity for UX practitioners to share and learn from experts and peers. Speakers include FatDUX CEO Eric Reiss, Blackboard’s VP of Consumer Design, Jon Kolko, and Shawn Henry, Head of Education and Outreach Activities at W3C. Tickets range from $395 – $1,195. More info here.

When and where: Jan. 22 – 24. Grand Hyatt, Seattle.

Listings for this feature are picked from the GeekWire Calendar, where you can submit free listings for technology-related events in the Pacific Northwest. 

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