Short Wave

A Physics Legend Part Two: Chien-Shiung Wu's Granddaughter Reflects

Mar 11, 2022

Jada Yuan, a reporter at the Washington Post and granddaughter of physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, shares her journey to uncover her grandmother's remarkable legacy. She reflects on Wu's groundbreaking contributions to physics amidst societal challenges and her role in the Manhattan Project. Jada discusses the tension between public achievements and personal memories, revealing how Wu's story inspires women in science today. The conversation also touches on the emotional connection of family heritage and the challenges of carrying forward a legacy after loss.

13:55

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Episode guests

Jada Yuan

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Reflections on a Legacy: Celebrating a Grandmother's Impact

3min

Defying Norms: A Woman in Physics

5min

Legacy of a Physics Pioneer and Familial Bonds

2min

Reflections on a Grandmother's Legacy

4min

Growing up, Jada Yuan didn't realize how famous her grandmother was in the world of physics. In this episode, we delve into the life of physicist Chien-Shiung Wu from her granddaughter's perspective. Jada talks to host Emily Kwong about writing the article Discovering Dr. Wu for the Washington Post, where she is a reporter covering culture and politics.

Check out part one in which Emily talks to Short Wave's scientist-in-residence about how Chien-Shiung Wu altered physics. She made a landmark discovery in 1956 about how our universe operates at the tiniest levels.

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