In even the cleanest regions of the sky, polarized emission from our Galaxy is a limiting contaminant for the detection of primordial gravitational waves via a B-mode polarization signature in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). In this talk, I will first review the physics of dust polarization and present models of the physical properties of interstellar grains that are consistent with recent constraints on polarized dust emission. I will then highlight how remaining uncertainties in dust properties can affect CMB component separation algorithms at levels significant for B-mode searches, in particular how the frequency dependence of the dust emission may vary both across the sky and along the line of sight. I will conclude by discussing ongoing work using HI to constrain the variability of both dust properties and the Galactic magnetic field orientation along the line of sight and the level of "frequency decorrelation" they produce.

Salads, sandwiches, and wraps are catered by D'Angelo Italian Market.
Bottled water will be provided.

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