Thomas Kupfer

Thomas Kupfer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas Tech University. He specializes in late stellar binary evolution, gravitational wave sources, and supernova progenitors. His research employs 'Big Data' techniques with time-domain surveys to study compact binaries, comparing observations to theoretical models. He collaborates with LISA, BlackGEM, and ZTF consortia, and has led over 50 nights of observational studies at major observatories.

Education includes a PhD from Radboud University (2015), postdoctoral positions at Caltech (2015-2018) and Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (2018-2020). Early research began at Dr. Remeis Observatory (2007-2011), with key contributions to extreme helium star spectroscopy and AM CVn binaries.

Research focuses on uncovering binary population statistics through large-scale data analysis. His work bridges observational astronomy with gravitational wave astrophysics, preparing for upcoming space missions like LISA. Awards and fellowships are not explicitly listed, but his extensive observational leadership indicates significant grant success.

Advising roles include mentoring graduate students in binary star analysis and time-domain astronomy. He maintains active collaborations through major survey projects and institutional affiliations, contributing to both observational and theoretical astrophysics advancements.