Find Academic Supervisors

John F. BeacomView profile

Professor

• Neutrinos
• Dark Matter
• High-Energy Astrophysics
• +5 more

John F. Beacom is a Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at The Ohio State University and Director of the Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics (CCAPP). His academic roles include leadership in astroparticle physics research and education. He holds joint appointments in both the Department of Physics and the Department of Astronomy within the College of Arts and Sciences. Beacom earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Wisconsin (1997) and dual B.S. degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Kansas (1991). He has held postdoctoral positions at Fermilab and Caltech before joining Ohio State in 2004. His research focuses on neutrinos, dark matter, and multi-messenger astrophysics, with emphasis on neutrino detection techniques, supernova physics, and cosmological implications. He leads major projects like the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) and contributes to the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). Awards: APS Fellow (2014), NSF CAREER Award (2005–2010), multiple teaching awards for distinguished instruction. Grants: Extensive funding from NSF, DOE, and collaborative international initiatives. Labs/Teams: CCAPP, DUNE Collaboration, ASAS-SN project. His articles span neutrino physics, detector development, and observational astrophysics, reflecting interdisciplinary expertise in theoretical and experimental particle astrophysics.

Aaron TohuvavohuView profile

Research Fellow

• Astrophysics
• High Energy Astrophysics
• Gravitational Wave Astronomy
• +3 more

Aaron Tohuvavohu is a Research Fellow in the Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology. His work focuses on high-energy astrophysics, particularly gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and multi-messenger astronomy. He is deeply involved in the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory mission, specializing in real-time localization of transient events using the BAT-GUANO pipeline and collaborating with gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA. His research emphasizes rapid-response observations of GRBs and gravitational-wave events, leveraging the Interplanetary Network (IPN) for precise localization. He has contributed to studies of short-hard GRBs associated with compact object mergers and long-duration GRBs linked to hypernovae. Notable projects include the CASTOR mission concept for UV photometry and detector characterization for next-generation astronomical instruments. Aaron's recent work includes analyzing Swift/XRT and UVOT observations of GRB afterglows, setting upper limits for electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational-wave triggers, and improving IPN triangulation algorithms. His publications reflect a systematic approach to transient astronomy, integrating data from multiple observatories for comprehensive event characterization.

Jorge PiekarewiczView profile

Professor

• Nuclear Theory
• Neutron Stars
• Dense Matter
• +6 more

Prof. Jorge Piekarewicz is a Professor of Physics at Florida State University (FSU), affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1985, followed by postdoctoral research at Caltech and Indiana University. Since 1990, he has been a faculty member at FSU. Education: Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics, University of Pennsylvania (1985) Postdoctoral Fellowships: California Institute of Technology and Indiana University Research Interests: His work focuses on extreme-density nuclear matter in neutron stars, bridging terrestrial experiments and astrophysical observations. Key areas include: Neutron star structure and equation of state Weak interaction probes (e.g., parity-violating electron scattering) Multi-messenger astronomy insights from neutron star mergers Covariant energy density functionals and symmetry energy constraints Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes refining the nuclear equation of state using PREX-CREX experiments, gravitational wave data (e.g., GW170817), and Bayesian methods. Key themes include neutron skin thickness, crust-core interactions, and symmetry energy sensitivity. Service & Outreach: Nuclear Science Advisory Committee (2012–2015) FRIB Theory Alliance Director (2017–2021) INT National Advisory Committee Chair (2018–2020) OLLI Lecturer on stellar evolution and neutron stars Collaborations: Active involvement with CERN, FRIB, JLab, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Research leverages facilities like the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory.

Matias ZaldarriagaView profile

Professor

• Cosmology
• Gravitational Waves
• Cosmic Microwave Background
• +3 more

Matias Zaldarriaga is the Richard Black Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), Princeton. His research focuses on theoretical cosmology, gravitational waves, and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). He has held previous faculty positions at Harvard University (2003-2009) and New York University (2001-2002). Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1998 Licenciado en Ciencias Físicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1994 Zaldarriaga's work centers on decoding the early universe through CMB analysis and gravitational-wave astrophysics. He investigates inflation, large-scale structure formation, and black hole dynamics, leveraging advanced statistical methods to probe fundamental physics from cosmological data. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on gravitational-wave data analysis, including novel algorithms for detecting binary black hole mergers, constraints on inflationary physics from large-scale surveys, and modeling supermassive black hole evolution. Key themes include higher-order waveform harmonics, pulsar timing arrays, and computational innovations for gravitational-wave astronomy. Awards and Honors: Gruber Cosmology Prize (2021) MacArthur Fellowship (2006) European Physical Society Gribov Medal (2005) Sloan Fellowship (2004) Helen B. Warner Prize, American Astronomical Society (2003) Packard Fellowship (2001) He collaborates extensively with international teams (e.g., LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA, DESI) and mentors researchers in cosmology and astrophysics. His group develops open-source tools for gravitational-wave inference and cosmological parameter estimation.

Kent YagiView profile

Associate Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Gravity and Cosmology
• Gravitational Physics
• +6 more

Kent Yagi is an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Virginia, specializing in theoretical astrophysics, gravity, and cosmology. His research focuses on using gravitational waves from compact objects like black holes and neutron stars to probe fundamental physics, including testing General Relativity in strong-field regimes and determining the equation of state of nuclear matter. Position: Associate Professor (2023-present), previously Assistant Professor (2017-2023) Education: Ph.D. in Physics from Kyoto University (2012) Prior positions: Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Princeton University (2015-2017), Postdoctoral Research Associate at Montana State University (2012-2015) Yagi's research centers on theoretical modeling of neutron stars and gravitational wave physics. He is particularly known for discovering the 'I-Love-Q' universal relations among neutron star observables that are insensitive to the equation of state. His work enables testing strong-field gravity and probing nuclear physics through gravitational wave observations. He also investigates binary pulsar systems as precision laboratories for testing gravitational theories beyond General Relativity. His research has significant implications for multi-messenger astronomy, connecting gravitational wave observations with electromagnetic counterparts to extract fundamental physics. The field has evolved rapidly since the first gravitational wave detection in 2015, and Yagi's theoretical predictions have helped shape how we interpret these observations to test gravity and nuclear physics in extreme conditions. NSF CAREER Award (2023) Sloan Research Fellowship (2019) IUPAP Young Scientist Prize (2019) Mead Honored Faculty (2018-2019) Yagi leads an active research group at UVA with multiple graduate and undergraduate students. His group collaborates with researchers across departments, including high energy physicists, nuclear physicists, astronomers, and researchers at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Current research directions include multi-band gravitational wave tests of general relativity, constraining nuclear matter parameters with GW170817, and developing parameterized post-Einsteinian gravitational waveform models for various modified gravity theories. The group has received multiple student research fellowships and awards, demonstrating strong mentorship and training of the next generation of physicists.

• High-energy transient phenomena
• Fast radio bursts
• Tidal disruption events
• +11 more

Wenbin Lu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of California Berkeley, where he conducts theoretical research on high-energy transient phenomena. He is also affiliated with the Theoretical Astrophysics Center at UC Berkeley. PhD in Astronomy, University of Texas at Austin (2018) Bachelor in Physics, Peking University (2013) Professor Lu specializes in extreme astrophysical events that serve as natural laboratories for studying physics under conditions of high energy density, strong gravity, and intense magnetic fields. His work integrates multiple physical domains including plasma physics, relativistic hydrodynamics, radiative transfer, and stellar dynamics. He maintains active collaborations with researchers worldwide and encourages student involvement in his projects. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on tidal disruption events and fast radio bursts, with increasing emphasis on multi-messenger approaches and theoretical modeling of observational data from facilities like JWST, Chandra, and radio telescopes. His work demonstrates consistent theoretical innovation in explaining complex transient phenomena. Burke Fellow at Caltech (2018-2021) Lyman Spitzer Fellow at Princeton University (2021-2022) Professor Lu actively mentors students and postdocs, with many projects originating from discussions with junior researchers. He teaches courses in Radiation and Stars at UC Berkeley. His research is supported by multiple grants that enable computational modeling and observational collaborations across various wavelengths. His theoretical work often involves complex numerical simulations of astrophysical phenomena, particularly focusing on the hydrodynamic evolution of stellar debris in tidal disruption events and plasma processes in fast radio burst emission mechanisms.

• Experimental Gravity
• Astrophysical Signals
• Nuclear Physics
• +8 more

Reed Essick is an Assistant Professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA), University of Toronto. His research focuses on experimental gravity, astrophysical signals, and nuclear physics, with particular emphasis on neutron stars, black holes, and gravitational waves. He develops advanced statistical methods like hierarchical Bayesian inference and nonparametric analysis for interpreting observational data from pulsars and gravitational wave detectors. Dr. Essick collaborates extensively with international observatories such as LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA, contributing to cutting-edge projects like multimessenger astronomy and precision cosmology. His work bridges computational astrophysics with observational techniques, addressing fundamental questions about dense matter and strong-field gravity. Key contributions include studies on gravitational wave equation-of-state constraints, pulsar timing analysis, and the application of machine learning to detector data. His research leverages both ground-based interferometers and space-based observations to explore extreme astrophysical environments.

Elias R. MostView profile

Assistant Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Computational Astrophysics
• Gravitational Astrophysics
• +6 more

Elias R. Most is an Assistant Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy. He specializes in computational and theoretical studies of compact objects, including neutron stars and black holes, focusing on gravitational, nuclear, and plasma astrophysics. His research bridges fundamental physics and multi-messenger astronomy. Education: B.S., Georg-August University Göttingen (2013) M.S., Johann-Wolfgang von Goethe University Frankfurt (2017) Ph.D., 2020 Research Interests: Dr. Most explores extreme astrophysical phenomena, such as gravitational waves from neutron star mergers and black hole dynamics. He investigates nuclear matter properties, plasma dynamics in relativistic environments, and the interplay between numerical relativity and observational astronomy. His work contributes to collaborative projects like the MUSES and Simulating Extreme Spacetimes collaborations, and he is a member of the TAPIR research group at Caltech. Awards: No specific awards listed. Advising & Grants: Offers research opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs, but no specific grants or advisees are mentioned. Labs & Teams: Active in the TAPIR group and collaborates with MUSES and the Simulating Extreme Spacetimes network.

Rana AdhikariView profile

Professor

• Gravitational Waves
• Dark Matter Detection
• Quantum Metrology
• +6 more

Rana Adhikari is a Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Holding a B.S. from the University of Florida (1998) and a Ph.D. from MIT (2004), he has been at Caltech since 2006, progressing from Assistant Professor to full Professor in 2012. His research focuses on advancing detector technologies for fundamental physics experiments in gravitational waves, dark matter, and near-field gravity studies. Education: B.S. in Physics, University of Florida (1998); Ph.D. in Physics, MIT (2004) Caltech Faculty: Assistant Professor (2006-12), Professor (2012-present) Adhikari's group specializes in precision measurements at the intersection of classical and quantum physics. Key research areas include: Mechanical oscillators and their thermodynamic limits Nonlinear optics for interferometric applications Quantum information constraints in classical sensors Adaptive optics using thermal actuation Cryogenic silicon interferometers for cosmological observations High-quality silicon opto-mechanical systems for LIGO applications Laser gyroscope technology for rotation sensing The group's work on gravitational wave detection has produced numerous publications in leading journals like Physical Review X , Physical Review D , and Optics Express . Their research often combines experimental physics with machine learning techniques for noise cancellation in laser interferometers. Adhikari's team also engages with undergraduate researchers through programs like the International LIGO SURF students, creating opportunities for young scientists in gravitational physics. His publications reveal a consistent focus on gravitational wave detector optimization, quantum metrology, and cosmological observations through advanced instrumentation.

Stuart L. ShapiroView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• General Relativity
• Black Holes
• +4 more

Stuart L. Shapiro is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a NCSA Senior Research Scientist. Previously, he held faculty positions at Cornell University from 1973 to 1995. He earned an A.B. in Astronomy from Harvard University (1969) and a Ph.D. in Astrophysical Sciences from Princeton University (1973). His research focuses on theoretical astrophysics and general relativity, including black holes, neutron stars, gravitational waves, and relativistic magnetohydrodynamics. Shapiro pioneered computational methods in numerical relativity, co-developing the BSSN formalism and advancing simulations of compact object mergers. He is renowned for coining terms like 'supramassive' and 'hypermassive' neutron stars and for exploring gravitational wave generation via LIGO/LISA. His work integrates supercomputing, analytical modeling, and visualization to address fundamental questions in astrophysics. Recipient of the Hans A. Bethe Prize (2017), he has authored a seminal textbook Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars (1983) and led a vibrant research group training undergraduates and graduate students. His research group’s simulations visualize phenomena such as black hole formation and neutron star mergers, bridging theory with observational astronomy.

Yang YangView profile

Lecturer

• Second Language Acquisition
• Chinese Language Pedagogy
• Chinese Cultural Communication
• +3 more

Yang Yang is a Lecturer in the Global Languages department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She holds a B.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Xi’an International Studies University and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Adelphi University. Currently, she is pursuing a second M.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at Middlebury College. Her pedagogical interests focus on second language acquisition, Chinese language pedagogy, and cultural communication. Prior to MIT, she developed a Chinese culture and language program at Quincy Asian Resources, Inc., and served as an online tutor for the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University. Her professional experience includes teaching at Middlebury Language Schools and creating curriculum for diverse learner demographics. Yang’s expertise emphasizes culturally responsive teaching methodologies and bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in language education. She contributes to the MIT Global Languages initiative by fostering intercultural competency and language proficiency among students. Educational Background: B.A., Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Xi’an International Studies University (China) M.A., Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Adelphi University (New York) Pursuing M.A., Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Middlebury College Her research interests explore effective instructional strategies for heritage learners and integrating technology into language acquisition. While no specific awards are listed, her academic trajectory reflects a commitment to advancing language pedagogy through continuous professional development.

• Dark Matter
• Black Holes
• Gravitational Waves
• +3 more

Gianfranco Bertone is a Professor at the Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, specializing in astrophysics and theoretical physics with a focus on dark matter, black holes, and gravitational waves. His work bridges cosmology and particle physics through multi-messenger approaches. Research Interests: Dark matter detection via gravitational wave signatures Black hole binary dynamics in dark matter environments Relativistic simulations of extreme mass ratio inspirals Multi-messenger astronomy and fundamental physics Cosmological simulations for dark matter distribution Publication Trends: Recent works emphasize gravitational wave astronomy's role in dark matter studies, including waveform distortions from dark matter spikes, boson cloud effects in black hole binaries, and simulation-based inference for astrophysical observations. His research spans theoretical modeling, computational astrophysics, and observational constraints.

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Radio Astronomy
• +5 more

Prof. Adam Deller is a Professor at Swinburne University of Technology, affiliated with the School of Science, Computing and Emerging Technologies. His academic journey includes a BSc, BE (1st class honours), and PhD in Astrophysics from Swinburne. He specializes in radio interferometry, neutron star physics, fast radio bursts (FRBs), and space domain awareness. His research focuses on compact objects like pulsars and black holes, using radio telescopes for high-resolution imaging. He co-founded Fourier Space Pty Ltd, developing signal processing solutions for radio astronomy and space industries. **Research Interests**: Radio interferometry instrumentation, neutron star magnetospheres, FRB localization and cosmological applications, and space domain awareness through radio observations. **Awards**: Includes the Pawsey Medal (2020), Newcombe Cleveland Prize (2022), and multiple grants from ARC and industry partners. His grants focus on SKA pulsar timing, FRB studies, and gravitational wave astronomy collaborations. **Teaching**: Teaches Computational Astrophysics, emphasizing numerical simulations for astrophysical problems. **Grants & Collaborations**: Key roles in ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery, SKA pulsar timing projects, and international telescope collaborations like ASKAP and VLBI networks.

• Gravitational Physics
• Astrophysics
• High-Energy Physics
• +3 more

Juno Chan is a Research Fellow at the Niels Bohr Institute , University of Copenhagen , specializing in Theoretical High Energy, Astroparticle and Gravitational Physics . Holding a permanent position since 2025, Chan contributes to advanced research in gravitational wave astronomy and neutron star dynamics. Role: PhD Fellow (converted to Research Fellow) Location: Blegdamsvej 17, Copenhagen Ø Contact: chun.lung.chan@nbi.ku.dk , +45 35 32 87 21 Chan's research focuses on gravitational wave detection , neutron star magnetohydrodynamics , and gravitational lensing in astrophysical contexts. Key contributions include: Developing gravitational wave detection algorithms in lensed systems Modeling magnetized rotating neutron stars with relativistic MHD simulations Curating the LensCAT catalog for known gravitational lenses Multi-messenger lensing studies through LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaborations Publications and Research Trends Chan's 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expertise in gravitational wave astronomy , neutron star physics , and computational astrophysics . The work involves: Waveform analysis for lensed events MHD simulations of compact objects Multi-messenger lensing frameworks Signal processing for detector networks Cosmological implications of lensing Collaborations span international institutions in gravitational wave networks, with frequent contributions to Physical Review D and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society . No formal awards or student mentorship details are publicly available.

Sarah Burke-SpolaorView profile

Associate Professor

• Gravitational Wave Detection
• Binary Supermassive Black Holes
• Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)
• +3 more

Dr. Sarah Burke-Spolaor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University and a member of the Center for Gravitational Waves and Cosmology (GWAC) . Her research focuses on dynamic astrophysical phenomena , including binary supermass of mass black holes , pulsar timing arrays for gravitational wave detection , and Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) . Key Research Areas : Gravitational wave detection via pulsar timing Observational studies of binary supermassive black holes Fast Radio Burst detection and classification Galaxy formation and merger dynamics Dr. Burke-Spolaor mentors a team of students and postdocs including Gregory Walsh, Jessica Sydnor, Reshma Thomas , and Kshitij Aggarwal , whose work includes projects like the BHBinary/Galaxy Evolution Survey and The Petabyte Project for Radio Transients . Her awards include the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and recognition as a CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar . Selected Article Trends : Leading gravitational wave research through NANOGrav's 15-year data set Multi-messenger astronomy targeting binary black hole systems FRB host galaxy characterization across telescopes Exploring unconventional astrophysical transients in the Galactic bulge Advancing pulsar timing array methodologies Developing next-generation radio interferometry techniques Scientific Awards : Alfred P. Sloan Fellow CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar