9800867 Kuchar This U.S.-Mexico award will support collaborative research between Prof. Karel Kuchar of the University of Utah and Prof. Jemal Guven and Prof. Michael Ryan of the Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). The researchers intend to examine what canonical quantum gravity can reveal about gravitational collapse. The goal is to go beyond semiclassical approximations and gain some insights about the effects induced by quantum geometry in one of the most puzzling processes predicted by general relativity and quantum theory: the formation of a black hole by gravitational collapse and its evaporation by Hawking radiation. Prof. Kuchar's research at the University of Utah involves both astrophysical/computational work and research related to the mathematical foundations of relativity and quantization. The Mexican group is large and multidisciplinary, covering quantum gravity, relativistic astrophysics, classical cosmology, variational principles, black hole physics, and geometric approaches to various branches of physics. The complementary expertise of the researchers forms the basis for the intended collaboration. ***
