Morgan MacLeod

Morgan MacLeod is a Lecturer in Astronomy at Harvard University affiliated with the Harvard College Observatory and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA). His research focuses on theoretical and computational astrophysics, particularly the dynamics of stellar interactions and their observational signatures as transients. He holds a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from UC Santa Cruz (2016) and a BA in Physics and Astronomy from Bowdoin College (2010).

• Education:
• PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, UC Santa Cruz (2016)
• BA in Physics and Astronomy, Bowdoin College (2010)

His research investigates stellar mergers, collisions, common envelope phases, and planet-swallowing events, with emphasis on how these phenomena manifest as transient astronomical events. He employs computational models to study gravitational-wave binary formation and high-energy astrophysical processes. MacLeod has held prestigious fellowships including the NASA Einstein Fellowship and Clay Postdoctoral Fellowship. His work bridges stellar evolution theory with observational astronomy, contributing to our understanding of compact object formation and transient phenomena.

MacLeod collaborates with institutions like the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and maintains an active role in advising graduate students through CfA partnerships. His research has implications for gravitational wave astronomy, exoplanet studies, and high-energy astrophysical transients.