David Kastor

David Kastor is a Senior Lecturer II in the Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, part of the College of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on gravitational theory, including classical and quantum gravity, string theory, and black hole thermodynamics. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago (1988). His work explores topics such as AdS-Melvin spacetimes, de Sitter black holes, Lovelock gravity solutions, and cosmological models involving magnetic fields and entanglement entropy.

Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Chicago, 1988.

Research Interests: Classical and quantum gravity phenomena, black hole mechanics, thermodynamic properties of spacetime, and theoretical frameworks involving higher-dimensional gravity and brane-world models. His studies often intersect with cosmological questions, such as the dynamics of evolving black holes during inflation and the role of magnetic fields in expanding universes.

Key contributions include advancements in understanding Lovelock gravity’s implications for entanglement entropy and cosmological solutions, as well as exploring the geometric and thermodynamic aspects of black holes in diverse spacetime backgrounds. His research also addresses fundamental questions in gravitational theory, such as entropy quantification and the interplay between cosmological constants and black hole properties.

Professional Contact: Office LGRT 421, Phone: 413-545-0545.