Professor Charles Liu uncovers the mysteries of the universe, one conversation at a time.
By M Kazmi
One evening about two years ago, Charles Liu, head of the Physics and Astronomy Department at CSI, gathered with his family around the dining table to share a meal. This routine family dinner would start a conversation that became the initial inspiration for Liu’s next project — “The LIUniverse“. The name derived from his family’s collective input encouraged the beginning of a podcast that would dive deep into the mysteries of the universe and foster a sense of wonder among its listeners while it prompted collaborations among its many guest speakers.
“When I told my family at the dinner table to think of a name for the podcast it was either my wife or children that said The LIUniverse,” said Liu. “I thought it was a little self-centered but when I sent it to the guy who suggested the podcast…he loved it!”
After almost two years, Liu’s podcast has reached over 60,000 downloads and was recently ranked number four among astronomy podcasts on the Apple Podcast platform. The knowledge about astronomy and the universe is more impactful when shared with others so Liu often invites guests onto his podcast. Liu has worked with many prominent figures like Cady Coleman: a retired astronaut, Geoff Notkin, from Meteorite Men, and Tom Rice, an astrophysicist fluent in sign language.
Liu’s enthusiasm for the underrecognized science enthusiasts and college students in the field became the driving factor behind the podcast. Conversations with the younger folks, who are future scientists in the field, not only expose them to new ideas and concepts but also help create a sense of community within the podcast.
“I like to talk to the people who do all the hard work and who are not as famous and established in the public eye,” said Liu. “The young scientists that are doing the most work are most of my audience. I focus on them, know who they are, and answer their questions.”
Topics do not just end on the note of scientific discoveries, but they push beyond that to conversations on the guests themselves, and their interests whether that be science-related topics like historical astronomy technology or completely unrelated topics like video games. According to the National Institutes of Health, students are more likely to be academically successful once their interests merge with what they learn in class. Liu uses this information to have those who consume his podcast absorb the information through a conversation that has increased interactive dialogue and is more in tune with the audience’s curiosities.
Even college students who have majors other than astronomy also consume Liu’s podcast. It is due to this concept of professor engagement outside the typical academic sphere that draws students to consume Liu’s podcast which allows them to learn and be entertained at the same time.
“I didn’t know Professor Liu had a Podcast and I think it’s cool to know he cares so much about his profession and even talks with other people who have similar interests online,”
said Yessenia Zosayas, a communications major and a former student of Liu who took his Ast 102 class. “Although I don’t know much about our world, Professor Liu breaks it down by asking questions and giving information on it which makes it very interesting to learn.”
Although this podcast is focused on the theories of the universe, which may appeal more to those with an interest in astronomy, Liu believes it is in one way or another relevant to all who reside on this planet.
“Humans are like cosmic babies, exploring beyond our crib of Earth into the vastness of space,” said Liu. “The more we learn about the universe, the more we will also know about ourselves.”
