On January 29, 2026, The Center for Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) rang in the new year in time-honored fashion with its annual Research Jamboree and Winter Party. More than 80 Center faculty, postdocs, and graduate students gathered for the Research Jamboree, a fast-paced and interactive event in which each participant had just one minute to present their research. The audience enthusiastically cheered one another on, making the event both lively and memorable.
Following the Jamboree, faculty, staff, postdocs, and students convened in the Café and Sky Lounge to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, enjoy food and drinks, and unwind together.
The Winter Party opened with remarks from CIERA Director Vicky Kalogera, who shared highlights from the previous year. These included hosting the Fellows @ 15 Conference in celebration of CIERA’s 15-year anniversary; launching SkAI, a new Institute led by Kalogera; becoming a founding partner in the Giant Magellan Telescope; and debuting a new website dedicated to the history of astronomy at Northwestern.
Kalogera went on to recognize CIERA’s Education and Outreach programs, which achieved record attendance throughout the year, and thanked the team behind a newly created photo book edited by Beryl Hovis-Afflerbach, designed by Anastasia Moriakova, and contributed to by Lisa La Vallee and Tarraneh Effekhari.
To conclude her remarks, Kalogera—assisted by Zissimopoulos—shared the story of a beloved Greek New Year’s tradition, the Vasilopita: a cake baked with a coin hidden inside, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead. The cake was ceremonially divided into slices representing various CIERA groups, with the recipient of the coin promised “very good luck” for the coming year.
This year’s lucky coin went to CIERA faculty member Adam Miller. CIERA extends its best wishes to Adam and to the entire CIERA community for a successful and inspiring 2026.
Watch highlights from the event:
Video and photos by Lisa La Vallee