About
David Kaplan is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and holds a Visiting Professor position at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His primary research focuses on multi-wavelength observations of neutron stars, including isolated thermally emitting neutron stars and magnetars, as well as radio transient detection using facilities like the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and the Australia Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). He currently chairs the MWA Transient Science Team and serves as a peer reviewer for journals such as the Astrophysical Journal and Astronomy & Astrophysics.
- Education:
- PhD in Astrophysics from California Institute of Technology (2004)
- Pappalardo Fellow at MIT Kavli Institute (2004-2007)
- Hubble Postdoctoral Fellow at MIT Kavli Institute and KITP (2007-2010)
His research interests span astrophysical transients, pulsar astronomy, and the development of radio instrumentation. He is particularly known for studies of neutron star systems and the application of widefield radio surveys to discover new astrophysical phenomena. His work with the MWA has expanded our understanding of low-frequency radio sources, including contributions to space debris detection and polarization surveys. Kaplan’s research bridges observational astronomy with theoretical astrophysics, leveraging large-scale observational facilities to explore extreme astrophysical environments.
While no formal student advisement is listed, his involvement in major observational projects suggests an active role in training graduate students and postdocs through collaborative research teams. His grants and funding are tied to his roles in leading large-scale telescope initiatives like the MWA.
Kaplan leads the Murchison Widefield Array Transient Science Team, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in radio astronomy. His website (http://www.gravity.phys.uwm.edu/~kaplan/) provides further details on his research activities and publications.
