JCA Alumna – An Astrophysicist Visit

Last October 17, 2013, from 8:30 – 9:45 AM, the Grade 10 students gathered at the Lecture Room of the E. Rodriguez campus to listen to a lecture given by Dr. Rainabelle Reyes, a Jubilee Christian Academy Elementary Department graduate (1996-1997). Dr. Reyes is a post-doctoral fellow at the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) at the University of Chicago. She had delivered scientific talks in the United States and Japan and her scientific works have been published in major scientific journals. She received her doctorate degree in Astrophysics from Princeton University.

Dr. Reyes’ talk centered on how data can be visualized so that information can be grasped clearly, insights gleaned easily, and stories told powerfully. She cited examples of data drawn from diverse fields that have been presented in a simplified manner using careful planning and assisted by different technologies.

Through her talk, students, teachers, and guest parents and alumni were able to make sense of big data through the use of maps, charts, and tables. Her discussion included data on the distance of the galaxies; correlation of countries’ life expectancy, health and wealth; and her infograph on the growth and decline of the pork barrel.

Students also had a chance to ask questions on pursuing studies abroad and astrophysics during the question-and-answer segment. After Dr. Reyes’ lecture, Ptr.Jubal Arbolario discussed the Biblical integration aspect of Dr.Reyes’ talk.

A group of G10 students conversing with Dr. Reyes after her talk.

Dr. Reyes (center in black shirt and jeans) with guests (from left to right): Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Tee, the parents of Dr.Reyes, Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Reyes, Mrs. Edna L. Yao, Mrs. Evelyn M. Bumatay, Mr. Anson Tan, and Mrs. Irene Lim.