Find Academic Supervisors

Alex Bentley NielsenView profile

Professor

• Gravitational Physics
• Astrophysics
• General Relativity
• +5 more

Alex Bentley Nielsen is a Professor of Physics at the University of Stavanger, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Department of Mathematics and Physics. His research focuses on gravitational waves, black hole physics, and general relativity, with significant contributions to the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA collaborations. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles since 2020, emphasizing observational tests of general relativity, binary black hole mergers, and quantum gravity phenomenology. Key research interests include gravitational wave detection, quasi-normal mode analysis of black holes, and multi-messenger astrophysics. Recent work includes studies of neutron star-black hole mergers, pulsar gravitational wave emission, and constraints on modified gravity theories using LIGO data. He has also contributed to outreach activities, including public lectures at the Wonderful World Festival (2023–2024) and popular science articles in Astronomi magazine. His collaborative projects involve international teams analyzing gravitational wave data from advanced interferometers, with a focus on precision tests of Einstein’s theory and exploring post-merger ringdown signals. He has been involved in LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA’s fourth observing run and has pioneered methods for detecting sub-dominant quasi-normal modes in binary black hole mergers.

Aurel Cornel STANCAView profile

Lecturer

• Control Systems
• Embedded Systems
• Data Acquisition
• +3 more

Aurel Cornel STANCA is a Lecturer at the Department of Electronics and Computers within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Technical University of Brasov. His research focuses on control systems, embedded systems, data acquisition, IoT integration, automotive electronics, and power systems. He has contributed to advancements in smart grid technologies, automotive safety systems, and reliability testing of power protection devices. Dr. STANCA's work spans interdisciplinary applications, including IoT-enabled power system protection, distributed temperature control systems, and thermoelectric heat recovery from engines. His publications emphasize practical implementations, such as embedded system designs for supercapacitor-aided vehicle starters and SCADA operator training platforms. He holds a strong industrial collaboration background, particularly in automotive electronics education and curriculum development. His research also touches on educational technologies, including adaptive learning pathways and EMC training methodologies. Affiliated with the Technical University of Brasov, his professional network includes involvement with international conferences like ICATE and OPTIM, where he has presented on topics ranging from supercapacitor models to distributed control systems.

Achille NUCITAView profile

Associate Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• High Energy Astrophysics
• X-ray Spectroscopy
• +4 more

Achille Nucita is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Physics 'Ennio De Giorgi' at the University of Salento, Italy. He is affiliated with the Fiorini College and specializes in Theoretical Astrophysics and High Energy Astrophysics. His research focuses on stellar systems, X-ray spectroscopy, and gravitational phenomena. Education: PhD in Physics (2003, University of Lecce), with postdoctoral fellowships at institutions including ESA, CNRS, and universities in Pisa, Zurich, and Toulouse. Research interests include testing General Relativity effects, microlensing, and observational campaigns involving XMM and Chandra telescopes. He has coordinated proposals for space observations and led international collaborations. Teaching responsibilities include advanced astrophysics courses for Master's students and physics education for primary school teachers. His work involves analyzing binary systems, compact objects, and high-energy astrophysical processes, contributing to over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Laboratory activities include physics experiments for education programs.

Philip ChangView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Cosmology
• Supernovae
• +4 more

Philip Chang is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), specializing in theoretical and computational astrophysics. He holds editorial responsibilities as an associate editor at Physical Review D (PRD). His primary research investigates fundamental astrophysical phenomena through advanced computational models and theoretical frameworks. Chang received his academic training at premier institutions: Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Harvard University (1998) PhD in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley (2005) under Professor Lars Bildsten He conducted postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley (2005-2009) and the University of Toronto (2005-2009) before joining UWM in 2011. His research program focuses on high-energy astrophysical processes and cosmological phenomena, with particular emphasis on: Supernova dynamics and stellar explosion mechanisms Compact object physics including white dwarfs and neutron stars Plasma astrophysics of relativistic environments Disk dynamics in accretion systems Turbulent star formation processes in interstellar media Cosmological implications of TeV blazars and gamma-ray backgrounds Theoretical modeling of gravitational phenomena This work bridges computational simulations with observational astrophysics to address fundamental questions about cosmic evolution. His publication record demonstrates interdisciplinary reach, with recent work spanning: Core astrophysics topics like white dwarf mergers, blazar heating, and star formation quenching Particle physics through LHC collaborations Medical research including hepatology and oncology studies Theoretical astrophysics remains the dominant theme, representing approximately 60% of recent publications. Chang leads the Astronomy, Gravitation and Cosmology research group at UWM, where he develops computational frameworks for astrophysical simulations. He maintains an active research website documenting projects and publications.

Sarah VigelandView profile

Associate Professor

• Gravitational Waves
• Pulsar Timing Arrays
• Supermassive Black Holes
• +3 more

Sarah Vigeland is an Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor in the Physics Department at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where she works in the Center for Gravitation, Cosmology & Astrophysics. She is a prominent member of both NANOGrav (North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves) and the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA), contributing significantly to the field of gravitational wave astronomy. Her research focuses on the detection of low-frequency gravitational waves using pulsar timing arrays, with particular emphasis on gravitational waves from supermassive binary black holes. She develops advanced techniques for gravitational wave detection, studying how these phenomena connect to the growth and evolution of galaxies. Her work spans both the gravitational wave background and individual supermassive binary black hole systems. Analysis of her recent publication record shows a strong focus on the NANOGrav 15-year dataset, with contributions across multiple aspects of gravitational wave detection including spectral analysis, memory effects, individual source detection, and statistical methods. Her work demonstrates a consistent integration of computational physics with astrophysical theory, particularly in developing efficient Bayesian methods for gravitational wave searches. As a member of major international collaborations, she contributes to advancing the field of gravitational wave astronomy through both theoretical developments and practical data analysis techniques. Her GitHub activity shows active contributions to critical software infrastructure for pulsar timing array analysis, demonstrating her commitment to open science and collaborative research.

Chanda Prescod-WeinsteinView profile

Associate Professor

• Astrophysics
• Theoretical Physics
• Dark Matter
• +3 more

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of New Hampshire. Her research focuses on theoretical physics, astrophysics, and dark matter, with particular expertise in neutron star physics, ultralight dark matter dynamics, and multifield inflationary cosmology. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, an M.S. from the University of California-Santa Cruz, and an A.B. from Harvard University. Her work bridges particle physics and astrophysics, addressing questions about dense matter equations of state via neutron star observations, axion-like dark matter simulations, and cosmological structure formation. Recent contributions include developing the NEoST Python package for neutron star studies and analyzing NICER mission data to constrain dense matter properties. Prescod-Weinstein teaches advanced courses such as Astrophysics I, Quantum Mechanics I, and doctoral research seminars. Her research incorporates numerical simulations, Bayesian statistical methods, and observational data from space-based telescopes like NICER and XMM-Newton.

Jillian BornakView profile

Academic

• Astronomy Education
• Infrared Photometry
• Novae
• +1 more

Jillian Bornak is a Distinguished University Lecturer specializing in astronomy education reform. Her astrophysical research modeled dust formation in classical novae using DIRTY radiative transfer code. Awarded Provost Outstanding Teacher Award (2017). Teaches introductory astronomy and physics courses using evidence-based pedagogical approaches. Research background includes crowded field photometry and analysis of periodic emission in X-ray binaries.

Zygmunt PizloView profile

Professor

• 3D Shape Perception
• Computational Vision
• Mathematical Psychology
• +4 more

Zygmunt Pizlo is a Professor and Falmagne Endowed Chair in Mathematical Psychology at the Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California-Irvine. His research focuses on 3D shape perception, computational vision, and the principles underlying human and machine perception. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Maryland and prior degrees in Electrical Engineering from Poland. Pizlo’s work emphasizes symmetry, complexity, and veridicality in shape perception, proposing that the human visual system employs global constraints like symmetry to infer 3D structure from 2D images. His academic lineage traces back to notable mathematicians, and his contributions include pioneering theories on shape constancy, the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), and binocular vision models. He co-founded the ViPER Lab, where research explores 3D shape recovery and computational models of perception. Pizlo’s books, such as *3D Shape* (MIT Press, 2008) and *Making a Machine That Sees Like Us* (Oxford, 2014), synthesize his interdisciplinary approach. He collaborates with institutions like the Center for Theoretical Behavioral Sciences and organizes conferences on interdisciplinary vision research. Key themes in Pizlo’s research include the role of symmetry and a priori constraints in perception, the integration of global and local visual cues, and the application of psychological principles to AI. His work bridges cognitive psychology, mathematics, and engineering, aiming to create machines that emulate human visual capabilities.

Tibor BekeView profile

Associate Professor

• Algebraic Topology
• Model Theory
• Image Processing
• +3 more

Tibor Beke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), part of the Kennedy College of Sciences. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from MIT (1998) and a BA from Princeton University (1993). His research focuses on algebraic topology, model theory, image processing, homotopical algebra, and categorical logic, with notable contributions to areas like topos theory, combinatorial structures over finite fields, and computational topology. Education : PhD in Mathematics, MIT, 1998 BA in Mathematics, Princeton University, 1993 Research Interests : Beke’s work bridges algebraic topology with logic and category theory. He explores topics such as the Grothendieck ring of varieties, Shelah’s singular compactness theorem, and applications of categorical logic to model theory. His recent projects include microstructural quantification of polymer matrix composites and virtual reconstruction techniques in materials science. Publications & Grants : He has published widely in journals like Journal of Pure and Applied Algebra and Annals of Pure and Applied Logic . Key grants include NSF funding for microstructural research (2018–2020) and a John Templeton Foundation grant on geometric proofs and AI (2016–2019). His work often involves collaborations, such as with Jiří Rosický on accessible categories and abstract elementary classes. Awards : Fulbright Scholar (2013) Fulbright Scholarship for Teaching and Research (2016, Masaryk University) UML Faculty Teaching Awards (2012, 2007) Rackham Faculty Fellowships (University of Michigan, 2002–2001) Teaching : Currently teaches courses such as Number Theory and Mathematical Problem Solving at UML.

Neil CornishView profile

Professor

• Gravitational Wave Astronomy
• Cosmology
• Relativistic Astrophysics
• +2 more

Neil Cornish is a Regents Professor and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics at Montana State University's College of Letters & Science, where he directs research through the eXTreme Gravity Institute (XGI). His work focuses on gravitational wave detection and relativistic astrophysics, with collaborations spanning CalTech, MIT, Harvard, Princeton, and European institutions. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, University of Toronto (1996) M.S. in Physics, University of Melbourne (1992) B.S. in Physics, University of Melbourne (1990) Cornish's research explores extreme gravity phenomena including black hole mergers, neutron star binaries, and early-universe cosmology. His 2024 publications demonstrate consistent focus on gravitational wave data analysis techniques, pulsar timing arrays, and multi-messenger astrophysics, with particular emphasis on noise modeling and detection methodologies for LIGO/Virgo observations. Awards & Honors: Outstanding Referee, American Physical Society (2021) College of Letters and Science Distinguished Professor (2021) Regents Professorship, MUS (2018) Springer Physics Highlights (2017) Provost’s Award for Graduate Research Mentoring, MSU (2017) He has advised numerous graduate students including Meg Millhouse and Laura Sampson, and secured major grants from NASA and NSF for LISA gravitational wave research and Bayesian signal reconstruction. Cornish co-leads the eXTreme Gravity Institute, coordinating research across gravitational wave theory, data analysis, and cosmology.

Luca Del ZannaView profile

Associate Professor

• Plasma Astrophysics
• Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
• Neutron Stars
• +3 more

Luca Del Zanna is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy , University of Florence. He holds dual affiliations with the University of Florence (UniFi) and the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF). His research focuses on plasma astrophysics, relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes. He leads the Space Plasma and Astrophysics Group at UniFi and co-organizes international workshops like the Arcetri Workshop on Plasma Astrophysics and Vlasovia . Research Interests include relativistic MHD simulations, magnetic reconnection, accretion disk dynamics, and the development of computational tools like the ECHO and XNS codes. His work bridges theoretical and numerical approaches to understand astrophysical phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts, pulsar wind nebulae, and solar/heliospheric processes. Recent Activities : Hosted SoHe4 (2023) and Vlasovia 2024 (2024), co-organized the INFN-TEONGRAV meeting (2022), and commemorated the legacy of Claudio Chiuderi (2022). His research group actively collaborates on projects like the XPE mission and explores multi-scale plasma physics. Publications span over two decades, emphasizing numerical methods, relativistic plasma dynamics, and high-energy astrophysics. He is a key developer of the ECHO code, used for GRMHD simulations of neutron stars and accretion disks.

Thomas CorbittView profile

Professor

• Experimental General Relativity
• Quantum Optomechanics
• Gravitational Wave Detection
• +2 more

Thomas Corbitt is Professor of Physics at Louisiana State University's College of Science, Department of Physics & Astronomy. He holds a PhD from MIT and specializes in Experimental General Relativity and quantum optomechanics. His research focuses on precision measurements at the quantum limit, gravitational wave detection, and developing advanced interferometric techniques. Research examines quantum noise suppression in gravitational wave detectors, optomechanical systems approaching the quantum regime, and multi-messenger astrophysics collaborations. Work contributes to LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA scientific collaborations searching for gravitational waves from cosmic events like neutron star mergers and black hole collisions. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on developing quantum-enhanced measurement techniques for gravitational wave detectors, searching for exotic astrophysical phenomena including dark matter signatures, and analyzing data from international detector networks. Laboratory develops advanced optical techniques including optical springs and quantum squeezing methods to surpass standard quantum limits in precision measurements. Leads research in quantum optomechanics and contributes to large-scale international collaborations in gravitational wave astronomy.

Juhan FrankView profile

Professor

• Astrophysics
• Black Hole Accretion
• White Dwarf Binaries
• +3 more

Juhan Frank is the Lorraine and Leon August Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Louisiana State University (LSU), within the College of Science and the Department of Physics & Astronomy . He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge (1978) and a Licenciado en Ciencias Físicas from the Universidad de Buenos Aires (1970). His research focuses on accretion processes in compact astrophysical systems, including active galactic nuclei, X-ray binaries, and white dwarf binaries. Notably, he explores the dynamics of accretion onto black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs, emphasizing hydrodynamics, radiative transfer, and binary system evolution. Frank’s work includes studies on double white dwarf mergers, their implications for gravitational wave observations (e.g., LISA), and the origins of R Coronae Borealis stars. He has contributed to developing numerical methods like the Octo-Tiger code for simulating stellar mergers and mass transfer in binaries. His research also addresses the role of irradiation in cataclysmic variables and the transient behavior of low-mass X-ray binaries. Frank has authored influential textbooks, including Accretion Power in Astrophysics (3rd ed., 2002), a graduate-level treatise on accretion disk theory. His affiliations include the Landolt Astronomical Observatory and the Hearne Institute of Theoretical Physics. Courses he has taught include Astronomy 1102: Stellar Astronomy , emphasizing scientific method and observational astronomy. His recent research leverages high-performance computing to model complex systems, such as binary mergers and galactic structure formation. Collaborations with institutions like ORNL highlight his engagement with cutting-edge computational tools. Frank’s work bridges theoretical astrophysics, numerical simulation, and observational astronomy, with implications for understanding galaxy evolution, stellar dynamics, and gravitational wave sources.

Stephan TornierView profile

Lecturer

• Group theory
• Symmetry
• Infinite discrete structures
• +4 more

Dr. Stephan Tornier is a Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, affiliated with the School of Information and Physical Sciences and the College of Engineering, Science and Environment . He specializes in group theory, focusing on the symmetry of infinite discrete structures like graphs and trees, with applications in digital technology. His research integrates theoretical insights with computational methods to advance understanding of mathematical objects. His research interests include: Group theory and generalizations Topological and computational group theory Totally disconnected, locally compact groups Automorphism groups of trees Zero-dimensional symmetry Recent publications highlight his work on prescribed local actions, computational methods, and software development for analyzing mathematical structures. Grants include an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) and SNSF funding. He supervises PhD and Master’s students, emphasizing educational outreach through videos and projects like "What is Symmetry?" for school students. Awards and Fellowships: ARC DECRA (2021) SNSF Doc.Mobility Fellowship (2017) Swiss Mathematical Society Travel Grant (2017) His software UGALY , recognized internationally, has been pivotal in non-traditional research outputs. Collaborations with researchers like George Willis and Michael Bywaters underscore his interdisciplinary impact.

Huaiyu DuanView profile

Associate Professor

• Particle Physics
• Astrophysics
• Neutrino Physics
• +3 more

Huaiyu (Mike) Duan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (2004). His research focuses on neutrino physics, particle astrophysics, and computational methods applied to extreme astrophysical environments like core-collapse supernovae and neutron star mergers. He leads the Neutrino and Compact Objects (NuCO) research group, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Physics program and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). Education: PhD, Physics, University of Minnesota, 2004. Research Interests: Neutrino flavor mixing and its effects in dense astrophysical systems. Computational modeling of neutrino oscillations using C++, Python, and Julia. Quantum many-body systems in supernova and neutron star merger environments. Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes coherent flavor oscillations, collisional instabilities, and equilibration processes in dense neutrino gases, with a focus on multidimensional simulations and high-performance computing techniques. Scientific Awards: None explicitly listed. Advising & Grants: Active in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students through the NuCO group, supported by DOE grants. Collaborates on open-source tools like NuGas and FOWDR for neutrino oscillation analysis. Labs/Teams: Leads the NuCO group, which integrates particle physics, astrophysics, and computational science to study neutrino-driven phenomena in compact objects.