Zsuzsa MÁrka

I am a scientist at Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory. I work on the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) project, the experiment that in 2016 announced the first direct detection of gravitational-waves.

I led the project that built the LIGO and KAGRA timing distribution systems, key subsystems for instrument control and gravitational wave data acquisition, at Columbia University.

I work with members of the Columbia Experimental Gravity group on various aspects of gravitational-wave multimessenger astrophysics with a special focus on joint high-energy neutrino and gravitational wave searches.

I am also involved in the development of new technologies through the Columbia BioOptics Group. We combat disease transmitting vectors via optical and acoustic technologies. We also focus on a murine model of neurodegenerative diseases

As the mother of four children, I believe educating young minds for the beauty and value of scientific endeavors is very important for progress. I give talks at urban schools and have helped organize events to spread scientific knowledge to the younger generation. It is essential to invest efforts in high quality science education, as a strong science curriculum starting at an early age can help reduce the recognized gender and racial disparity in scientific professions.