About Dr. Stephon Alexander
Stephon Alexander is the Director of the Center for Theoretical Physics and Innovation at Brown University, is a leading theoretical physicist, author and jazz musician. His research bridges cosmology, particle physics, quantum gravity and the AI-physics connection. Alexander specializes the physics of the early universe, notably co-inventing a model that explains the origin of matter over antimatter in the universe and a new unification between Gravity and the Weak Interaction. A past President of the National Society of Black Physicists, he founded SoundPlusScience Inc., connecting music and STEM for high school students. His acclaimed book, The Jazz of Physics, explores parallels between jazz and modern physics. Alexander has held positions at Stanford, Imperial College, Penn State, and Dartmouth, contributing globally to science and education.
The Jazz of Physics
Dr. Stephon Alexander
Brown University
Friday, October 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM PDT
Kane Hall 130REGISTERIn this talk, we revisit the deep interconnection between music and the evolution of astrophysics and cosmology. We explore new ways in which music, particularly jazz, mirrors ideas in modern physics, including quantum mechanics, general relativity, and the physics of the early universe. Finally, we discuss how innovations in physics have been, and may continue to be, inspired by the kind of “improvisational logic” exemplified in jazz performance and practice. The event will conclude with a jazz performance by Dr. Alexander and musicians Paul Gabrielson and John Bishop.