Dr. Nord
Brian’s work has focused on how to improve how we make scientific discoveries --- developing algorithms, designing experiments, and re-envisioning research communities. Brian started his career in large-scale structure simulations. Since then, he has studied galaxy clusters, strong gravitational lensing, and the cosmic microwave background. More recently, he has explored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to address critical challenges in cosmological data analysis.
As a researcher in the Fermilab AI Project Office and the Cosmic Physics Center, he provided strategic vision to the lab regarding AI research investments. He was jointly appointed at the University of Chicago, where he also conducted his AI and cosmology research.
Brian is collaborating, mentoring, and performing research at the intersection of AI and physics. Particularly, he is investigating approaches to combine AI with rigorous statistical methods and using this to aid in the precise design of scientific experiments. He is interested in new collaborations on these and related topics in statistics, computer science, AI, epistemology, etc.
Brian has been a leader in the movement to address inequities and oppression in academic and research environments. He co-created the academic #Strike4BlackLives (strike4blacklives.com) in June 2020 and works to drive anti-racist efforts and develop justice-oriented communities. He co-founded the Deep Skies Community (deepskieslab.ai), which is dedicated to shared leadership and prioritizing the humanity of research colleagues over productivity --- one of the first of its kind. He is a co-author of ThisIsBlackLight.com, a curriculum for learning about Black experiences. He also co-founded the Change Now team, which produced a list of calls for action to make a more just laboratory environment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.