Our understanding of the origin of the elements is grounded in observational abundance measurements and theoretical models of stellar explosions. The current era of big data from surveys such as MWM, GALAH, and Gaia allows us to study an unprecedented number of stars in abundance, velocity, and position space. With data from these surveys, we can analyze the nucleosynthetic contributions to over 20 elements. In this talk I will provide an overview of the power of abundance surveys in decoding our Galactic chemical evolution. I will discuss a multi-process model for stellar abundances, the importance of comparing empirical and theoretical nucleosynthetic yields, and highlight how we can use the Milky Way to learn fundamental properties of core-collapse and type-Ia supernovae.

Before the talk (~3:45pm), tea and coffee will be served outside 116 Weniger.

After the talk, there will be a reception with food and drink in 247 Weniger.