Spitzbart ’97 Explores X-Ray Universe

Brad Spitzbart ’97 has a special perspective on the universe.

As a data analyst at the Chandra X-ray Center in Cambridge, Mass., he monitors the operations of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which is helping scientists answer fundamental questions about the origin, evolution and destiny of the universe. The observatory is one of NASA’s four Great Observatories that conduct astronomical studies over different wavelengths.

Spitzbart returned to Valparaiso University earlier this year to speak about Chandra at the department of physics and astronomy colloquium.

Brad Spitzbart '97

“I enjoy the challenges and diversity of working both on Chandra operations and on research projects,” he says. “I have a lot of freedom in designing software or other solutions to problems, but a tight-knit team approach comes into play when spacecraft anomalies occur. The work also has given me the opportunity to attend technical and scientific conferences around the world.”

Spitzbart received a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Valpo in 1997, with a minor in physics, and obtained a master’s degree in physical sciences from the University of Chicago in 2001.

“The dedication to teaching, extensive hands-on experience in labs and 16-inch telescope at Valpo were very important,” he says. “While focusing on math and physics, completing requirements in the humanities provided a background for success in our diverse world.”

Discover the x-ray universe at http://chandra.harvard.edu.

Spitzbart is among numerous Valpo alumni working in the sciences who have returned to campus to speak. If you are interested in speaking at Valpo, send an e-mail to warren.kosman@valpo.edu. To find out who is speaking this fall, visit valpo.edu/events/stem.