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Connections

Coming up on Connections: Wednesday, March 14

www.hawking.org.uk/

First hour: The life and work of Stephen Hawking

Second hour: An update from NYSUT

World renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking died early Wednesday morning in Cambridge at age 76. The visionary scientist is best known for his work with black holes, general relativity, and quantum mechanics, but as physicist Adam Frank says, Hawking’s story is about more than the science. At age 22, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS and given only a few years to live. He used a wheelchair and a voice synthesizer to speak. As Frank says, Hawking’s story is about the triumph of the human spirit and the ability to push at the frontier. Our guests discuss his life and work:

  • Brian Koberlein, senior lecturer of physics at RIT
  • Roger Dube, research professor and director of the Science Exploration Program at RIT
  • Mike Campbell, director of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester
  • Adam Frank, astrophysicist at the University of Rochester, and contributor to NPR’s 13.7: Cosmos & Culture blog

Then in our second hour, officers from New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) are in Rochester. They’ll join us to discuss a range of issues, including school safety; testing; a feared teacher shortage; the New York State budget; and the Janus vs. AFSCME case, which could impact union member and worker rights. In studio:

  • Andy Pallotta, president of NYSUT
  • Jolene DiBrango, executive vice president of NYSUT

Connections
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.