As the 2025 Fermi Forward Discovery Group Guest Composer, Amy Nam will use her skills in music to transform concepts behind the physics research conducted at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory into auditory experiences the public may enjoy.
The Guest Composer program at Fermilab fosters collaboration between scientists and artists and is aimed at strengthening the laboratory’s ties to the community by creating new pathways to spark interest in science. The program is funded by Fermi Forward Discovery Group, which manages and operates Fermilab on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Connecting music to science can expand the reach of Fermilab’s research to a broader audience,” said Natalie Johnson, head of the Fermilab Office of Education and Public Engagement. “Approaching scientific research through the lens of music offers fresh perspectives and conveys the ideas in a new and meaningful way. Our goal in connecting Fermilab science to a wider audience is to inspire and encourage more young people to pursue careers in STEM fields.”
With Nam’s proposed project, “The Harp Inside Schrödinger’s Box,” she plans to create an equal parts musical concert and educational experience by juxtaposing original harp music with spoken word passages inspired by quantum physics research. With the help of scientists and the Office of Education and Public Engagement, Nam will create an auditory and educational experience made available to the public at Fermilab’s Ramsey Auditorium.
“Translating science through art makes the science tangible to more people, that’s the hope,” said Nam. “Reaching new audiences, who may not otherwise seek out information about particles physics or quantum computing, that’s the goal.”
Nam wishes to compose music informed by Fermilab’s QUIET and LOUDresearch laboratories. In these twin labs, one located 100-meters underground and one at the Earth’s surface, researchers gather data to understand how cosmic radiation affects the performance of superconducting qubits. This research could contribute to optimizing future quantum computers.
“Amy’s clear vision of weaving scientific ideas into music and poetry is compelling,” said Georgia Schwender, the Visual Arts Coordinator at Fermilab who also manages the FermiForward Guest Composer program. “As America’s premier particle accelerator laboratory, Fermilab’s goal is to understand the fundamental particles that make up our universe and the forces that govern their behavior. To help people who may not have science backgrounds reach a new understanding of what we investigate and find, it’s critical to create ways to present this research through new perspectives.”
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is America’s premier national laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research. Fermi Forward Discovery Group manages Fermilab for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. Visit Fermilab’s website at www.fnal.gov and follow us on social media.
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