Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein serves as an Associate Professor of Physics and Core Faculty Member in Women's and Gender Studies at the University of New Hampshire's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Her interdisciplinary work bridges theoretical particle physics, cosmology, and astrophysics while pioneering Black feminist science studies. She is a regular columnist for New Scientist and Physics World, and her influential science communication has reached global audiences through media features in Huffington Post, Gizmodo, and Tech Crunch.

Her research spans axion physics, cosmic inflation models, and alternative dark energy theories, maintaining strong ties to observational astronomy. As a transformative advocate for equity in STEM, she co-founded the Particles for Justice movement, spearheaded the 2020 Strike for Black Lives, and launched the Cite Black Women+ in Physics and Astronomy Bibliography in 2022 to address systemic citation biases. Her upcoming book The Edge of Space-Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie is scheduled for April 2026 release.

Major recognitions include:

• American Physical Society Edward A. Bouchet Award (2021) for contributions to cosmology and inclusivity efforts
• National Academies Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communication (2022)
• Multiple literary awards for The Disordered Cosmos including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize (2021) and PEN Oakland Award (2022)
• UNH College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Award (2021)
• 2017 LGBT+ Physicists Acknowledgement of Excellence Award

Dr. Prescod-Weinstein actively shapes scientific culture through public engagement, including her newsletter, speaking tours, and monthly columns that demystify cosmic science for diverse audiences while centering social justice imperatives in physics.