Mathieu Renzo

Mathieu Renzo is an Assistant Professor in the Astronomy Department and Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona, Tucson. His research focuses on stellar physics, particularly massive stars, binary evolution, and stellar explosions. He employs both detailed stellar structure and evolution models (using MESA) and rapid population synthesis codes (binary_c and COSMIC), combined with galactic dynamics simulations.

• Current Position: Assistant Professor, University of Arizona (2024-present)
• Previous Positions: Research Fellow at Flatiron Institute and Columbia University (2019-2023)
• Education: PhD from University of Amsterdam (2019), Masters and Bachelors from University of Pisa

Dr. Renzo's research interests span stellar kinematics (including runaway, "walkaway", and hyper-velocity stars), core-collapse and (pulsational) pair-instability supernovae, nuclear astrophysics, X-ray binaries, and gravitational-wave astronomy. His work combines analytical calculations with numerical simulations to understand massive star evolution, their explosions, and binary interactions. He is particularly interested in how binary evolution impacts stellar outcomes and gravitational wave sources.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on binary star systems across different metallicities, with significant contributions to understanding common envelope evolution, supernova feedback mechanisms, and the formation channels of compact objects. His work often involves large collaborations like the BLOeM (Binarity at LOw Metallicity) project.

• KITP Graduate fellowship (2017)
• NSF AAG grant 'One step back and two step forward' (2025, $372,000)
• NASA ATP grant 'multi-D RHD simulations of mass transfer' (2023, $380,000)
• PI of multiple computing projects on Dutch supercomputer Cartesius

Dr. Renzo actively mentors students at various levels, including PhD candidates at the University of Arizona and international collaborations. His research group uses advanced computational tools including MESA (where he's a core developer), ATHENA++, and COSMIC. He is involved in several major collaborations studying massive stars across different environments, with particular attention to how binary interactions shape stellar evolution and end states.