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Simon Birrer is an Assistant Professor in Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University, specializing in cosmology and gravitational lensing. He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich (2016) and previously served as Kavli Fellow at Stanford University. Birrer leads research probing dark matter and dark energy using gravitational lensing phenomena. His group develops computational tools for analyzing strong gravitational lensing data to study cosmic expansion and dark matter distribution. Research areas include time-delay cosmography, Hubble constant measurements, and machine learning applications in astrophysics. Recent publications focus on multi-messenger gravitational lensing (2025), LSST survey applications (2025), and AI-powered lens modeling pipelines (2025). His work consistently addresses fundamental cosmological tensions like the Hubble constant discrepancy. Awards: Kavli Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019-2022) Kugelpyramide Lifetime Achievement Award Experimental Innovation Award (ETH Zurich) Research Group: Leads the SBU Strong Lensing group with 9+ graduate students and postdocs. The group participates in major collaborations including LSST Strong Lensing Science Collaboration (co-chair), LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration, and TDCOSMO.

• Cosmology
• Gravitational Lensing
• Dark Matter
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Nuno F. Loureiro is Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering and the Herman Feshbach (1942) Professor of Physics at MIT, and serves as Director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) since May 2024. He holds joint appointments in MIT's School of Engineering and School of Science, and is affiliated with the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research and the MIT Energy Initiative. Director, Plasma Science and Fusion Center (2024-present) Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering (2016-present) Herman Feshbach (1942) Professor of Physics (current) Loureiro earned his MEng in Physics from Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon (2000) and his PhD in Physics from Imperial College London (2005). He completed postdoctoral work at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (2005-07) and UKAEA Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (2007-09) before returning to lead the Theory and Modeling Group at the Institute for Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion at IST Lisbon. Loureiro's research focuses on fundamental aspects of magnetized plasma dynamics, with particular emphasis on magnetic reconnection, magnetic field generation and amplification, confinement and transport in fusion plasmas, and turbulence in strongly magnetized, weakly collisional plasmas. His work bridges theoretical physics with computational simulations using state-of-the-art tools like the Viriato code, which he developed for reduced-gyrokinetic modeling. His research has significant implications for both understanding cosmic phenomena and advancing practical fusion energy solutions. Analysis of Loureiro's recent publications reveals a strong focus on magnetic reconnection mechanisms across multiple scales, from electron-only reconnection to relativistic plasma turbulence. His work increasingly incorporates computational innovations, including quantum computing approaches for plasma modeling. The research spans applications from solar physics and astrophysical phenomena to practical fusion energy challenges, demonstrating the unifying nature of plasma physics across disciplines. NSF Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2025) American Physical Society Fellow (2022) NSF CAREER Award (2017) Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions (2015) Loureiro leads the Loureiro Group at MIT, which conducts research at the interface of analytical theory and numerical simulations on supercomputers. His laboratory has developed the Viriato code for plasma simulations and investigates phenomena relevant to both fusion energy and astrophysical plasmas. As Director of the PSFC, he oversees one of MIT's largest research laboratories with over 250 full-time researchers, staff members, and students working across 250,000 square feet of lab space.

• Plasma Physics
• Magnetic Reconnection
• Fusion Energy
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Marilyn J Smith is the David S. Lewis Professor and Director of the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence (VLRCOE) at the Georgia Institute of Technology's Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. She leads a seven-university consortium conducting vertical lift research for the U.S. Army, Navy, and NASA, and has secured over $200 million in collaborative research funding. Computational Nonlinear Computational Aeroelasticity Lab Director NASA FUN3D development team contributor Aerospace Systems Design Lab (ASDL) affiliate Her research spans unsteady aerodynamics, computational aeroelasticity, and sustainable energy applications across rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and launch vehicles. She serves on the Vertical Lift Consortium (VLC) Board of Directors and Vertical Flight Society (VFS) Board, while acting as VFS Deputy Technical Director for Aeromechanics and leading international NATO AVT panels on UAV aerodynamics. Recent publications focus on galaxy cluster cosmology, ship-helicopter dynamic interface modeling, and Type Ia supernova analysis. She has won prestigious awards including the AIAA Aerodynamics Award and multiple American Helicopter Society honors for research, mentoring, and service. 2022 AIAA Aerodynamics Award 2015 Best Paper Awards at AHS Forum 2014 & 2012 AHS Agusta-Westland International Fellowships Her laboratory work integrates high-performance computing with aerospace design and develops advanced turbulence models through partnerships with Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). She contributes to public science communication with appearances on National Geographic, PBS, NPR, and local media.

• Unsteady Aerodynamics
• Computational Aeroelasticity
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
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Matthew W. Kunz is an Associate Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University, serving as Associate Chair of the Department of Astrophysical Sciences and Director of Graduate Studies for the Program in Plasma Physics. He holds a B.S. in Astronomy-Physics and B.A. in Music from the University of Virginia (2003), and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009). His research focuses on astrophysical plasma dynamics, including instability, turbulence, and transport in weakly collisional and poorly ionized plasmas, with applications to galaxy clusters, accretion disks, and the solar wind. Dr. Kunz's work employs analytical and numerical methods to study multi-scale plasma dynamics, aiming to understand angular momentum transport in accretion disks, kinetic turbulence cascades, and magnetic field evolution. His research has been recognized with several awards, including an NSF CAREER Award (2020-25), Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2017-20), and NASA Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011-14). He teaches courses on plasma astrophysics (AST 521), irreversible processes in plasmas (AST 554), and astrophysical research methods (AST 303). His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on plasma turbulence, magnetic reconnection, and cosmic ray propagation, with recent work emphasizing collisionless plasma dynamics and high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

• Astrophysical plasma dynamics
• Instability and turbulence in plasmas
• Transport in weakly collisional plasmas
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Jay Strader is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University, where he serves as Graduate Director for the astronomy PhD program and Associate Chair for astronomy. His research focuses on compact objects, particularly black holes and neutron stars in globular clusters, neutron star binaries in Fermi gamma-ray sources, and intermediate-mass black holes. He has received a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering and grants from NSF and NASA. His research group includes postdoc Ryan Urquhart, graduate students Thomas Do and Rebecca Kyer, and several undergraduates, with past students like Teresa Panurach (now director of NoVEL Consortium) and Samuel Swihart (NRC fellow at Naval Research Lab). Education: PhD in Astronomy, UC-Santa Cruz/Lick Observatory Awards: Packard Fellowship Collaborations: Member of Rubin Observatory's Stars, Milky Way, and Local Volume science collaboration since 2008 Previous Positions: Hubble Fellow and Menzel Fellow at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (2007-2012) Program Initiatives: Co-founder of PAREDS program for early research opportunities at MSU His work has been supported by NSF and NASA grants, and he has contributed to studies on black holes in M22, hypervelocity globular clusters around M87, and transitional millisecond pulsars. His group collaborates with Laura Chomiuk and contributes to data catalogs like the M31 globular cluster velocity dispersion database.

• Compact Objects
• Black Holes
• Neutron Stars
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Alyson M. Brooks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University, part of the School of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on galaxy formation and evolution, particularly using cosmological simulations to study dark matter dynamics, stellar abundances, and galactic structures. She holds a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Washington (2008) and has held prestigious fellowships, including the Sherman Fairchild Fellowship at Caltech and the Grainger Postdoctoral Fellowship at UW-Madison. Brooks has been recognized with awards such as the 2015 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship and the 2019 Maria Goeppert Mayer Award from the American Physical Society. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Physics with Astronomy from Macalester College (2000) and an M.S. in Astronomy from the University of Washington (2004). Her research interests span topics like the interplay between baryonic processes and dark matter, chemical evolution in dwarf galaxies, and the role of feedback mechanisms in galaxy formation. Brooks is actively involved in outreach, including founding the RU-PREP program to support undergraduate research and mentoring initiatives. Brooks has authored over 100 refereed publications, with recent work exploring the resolved stellar populations of dwarf galaxies using the James Webb Space Telescope and analyzing dark matter halo properties through simulations. Her scientific contributions have advanced understanding of galaxy kinematics, dark matter interactions, and the evolution of galactic structures across cosmic time.

• Galaxy Formation and Evolution
• Galactic Structure
• Cosmological Simulations
• +5 more

Johnny Powell is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Reed College, with a focus on astrophysics and computational physics. He leads research projects involving N-body simulations of galactic dynamics, supernovae explosions, and cosmological studies through the AGORA project. His work bridges theoretical astrophysics and experimental biophysics, with publications on DNA hydration, spectroscopy, and molecular biophysics. Primary affiliation: Reed College Physics Department Key research areas: Galactic dynamics, N-body simulations, DNA hydration, Raman/FTIR spectroscopy Professor Powell mentors thesis students in astrophysics, including work on barred galaxies, galactic bars, and cosmological simulations. His recent projects involve collaborations with institutions like the Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research and Arizona State University's Lindsay Laboratory. Scientific grants include National Science Foundation (NSF) XSEDE awards for computational resources to study galactic bar simulations and cosmological zoom-in projects. His interdisciplinary research spans astrophysics and biophysics, with publications in journals like Biochemistry, Nucleic Acids Research, and Physical Review E. NSF Grant TG-AST150068: N-body simulations of galactic bars (50,000 SUs, 500GB) NSF Grant TG-AST150068: Buckling instability in galactic bars (25,000 SUs, 500GB) Outside academia, Powell is an avid birdwatcher with extensive field experience in Oregon, Brazil, Peru, and other global locations. He served on the Board of Directors of the Audubon Society of Portland (1998–2002) and has contributed to ornithological data via eBird. His educational collaborations include work with Stuart Lindsay at Arizona State University and Ludwig Genzel at the Max-Planck Institute.

• Astrophysics
• Galactic Dynamics
• Computational Physics
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Dan McCammon is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, affiliated with the College of Letters & Science. His research focuses on X-ray astronomy, including studies of the diffuse X-ray background, interstellar and intergalactic media, and the development of advanced X-ray instrumentation. He is a key contributor to the XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) satellite, leading efforts in high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and mission operations. McCammon's work emphasizes understanding cosmic plasma dynamics, galaxy cluster physics, and supernova remnant evolution through cutting-edge observational techniques and detector technology. His research interests span multiple subfields, including the thermodynamic properties of galactic clusters, charge-exchange processes in astrophysical plasmas, and the design of cryogenic microcalorimeters for space-based observatories. He has pioneered advancements in transition-edge sensors (TES) and superconducting detectors, enhancing the precision of X-ray spectral measurements. McCammon has contributed to numerous sounding rocket missions, such as Micro-X, and has been instrumental in the development of the Line Emission Mapper (LEM) probe concept, aimed at mapping the soft X-ray sky with unprecedented resolution. His work on the Hitomi (ASTRO-H) satellite demonstrated breakthroughs in resolving the thermal and dynamic properties of cosmic plasmas, such as the Perseus galaxy cluster and the Crab Nebula. His publications highlight a focus on high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of cosmic sources, including galaxy clusters, active galactic nuclei, and supernova remnants. He has explored topics like non-thermal pressure contributions in cluster cores, ionized plasma diagnostics, and the role of charge-exchange emissions in interpreting diffuse X-ray backgrounds. McCammon's instrumentation innovations have enabled breakthroughs in measuring spectral features with sub-eV resolution, advancing our understanding of astrophysical processes. Despite the absence of explicitly listed awards or grants in the provided text, his leadership in major space missions and pioneering detector technologies underscores his contributions to the field. His research team collaborates on international projects, such as XRISM and LEM, reflecting a commitment to advancing observational astrophysics through interdisciplinary collaboration.

• X-ray Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Diffuse X-ray Background
• +5 more

Imre Bartos is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Florida, specializing in multi-messenger astrophysics that combines gravitational waves, neutrinos, and electromagnetic signals. His research investigates extreme cosmic explosions involving black holes and neutron stars, with emphasis on merger environments in active galactic nuclei. Groundbreaking work includes demonstrating how nearby neutron star mergers influenced Solar System composition, identifying AGN disks as factories for eccentric black hole mergers, and developing techniques to probe black hole origins through gravitational wave localization. His group participates in major collaborations including LIGO, LISA, and IceCube observatories. Professor Bartos received the Sloan Fellowship and shares Breakthrough Prize honors for contributions to gravitational wave astronomy. He leads observational programs using Chandra, VLA, and Fermi telescopes while mentoring students in computational astrophysics techniques.

• Multi-messenger Astrophysics
• Black Hole Mergers
• Gravitational Waves
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Mark Hertzberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Tufts University, located within the School of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD from MIT (2010), following degrees from the University of Sydney. His research focuses on theoretical physics at the intersection of cosmology, particle physics, and astrophysics, with a particular emphasis on dark matter (e.g., axions), cosmological inflation, gravitation theory, and quantum phenomena. He has been Director of the Institute of Cosmology at Tufts since 2023. Education: PhD Physics, MIT, 2010 MSc Physics, University of Sydney, 2004 BSc Physics & Mathematics, University of Sydney, 2002 Research Interests: Dark matter structure and axion physics Cosmological inflation and post-inflationary dynamics Gravitational theory and quantum gravity constraints Large-scale structure and cosmic microwave background analysis Grants: Multiple NSF awards including 'Cosmology and Fundamental Physics' (2024-2026) and 'Constraining Physics Beyond the Standard Model with Cosmological Observations' (2023-2026). Teaching: Courses include General Relativity, Cosmology, Quantum Field Theory, and graduate research supervision.

• Theoretical Physics
• Cosmology
• Particle Physics
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Carsten Rott is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah and holds the Jack W. Keuffel Memorial Chair until December 2025. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Physics from Purdue University (2004), preceded by undergraduate studies at the Universität Hannover. Rott has held academic positions at institutions including The Ohio State University (CCAPP Senior Fellow 2009-2013), Penn State University (postdoc 2005-2008), and Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea (Assistant Professor 2013-2017, Associate Professor 2017-2025). He has been a member of the IceCube Neutrino Telescope collaboration since 2005 and serves on committees like the IceCube-Gen2 Coordination Committee and JSNS2 Speakers Board. His research spans Particle Physics , Neutrino Astronomy , and Dark Matter Detection . Key projects include analyzing IceCube data for sterile neutrino signatures, studying cosmic-ray anisotropy, and investigating terrestrial gamma-ray flashes. Notable achievements include the Bruno Rossi Prize (2021) for high-energy astrophysics contributions. Rott's work involves multimessenger observations (neutrinos, gamma-rays, radio signals) and detector calibration innovations, such as those for the JSNS2 experiment. Recent publications focus on atmospheric neutrino oscillation parameters, TGF spectroscopy, and dark matter constraints. He employs machine learning techniques (CNNs) for event reconstruction and leads initiatives like the IceCube Master Class for student engagement. Grants include funding for IceCube upgrades (2024-2026) and Hyper-Kamiokande collaborations (2023-2026). As department chair since 2023, Rott continues to bridge experimental particle physics with astrophysical discoveries.

• Particle Physics
• Astrophysics
• Neutrino Physics
• +5 more

John Martin is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, affiliated with the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health. Since 2006, he has taught introductory physics for science majors and astronomy courses while directing the Henry R. Barber Research Observatory and hosting public UIS Star Parties. His research focuses on stellar astrophysics, particularly the life cycles of massive stars and phenomena like Eta Carinae. Stellar Astrophysics Massive Star Evolution Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) Supernova Impostors Be Stars and Disks Photometry and Spectroscopy His publications, including over 100 peer-reviewed works, emphasize Eta Carinae's 5.5-year spectroscopic events, LBVs in M31/M33, Be star dynamics, and supernova impostors like SN 2009ip. Awards include the 2011 University of Illinois University Scholar title, JJ Nassau Fellowship (1997), and Dean's List recognitions. He earned his PhD in Astronomy from Case Western Reserve University (2003) and BS in Astro-Physics from the University of Virginia (1995). Scientific awards include 2011 University of Illinois University Scholar 1997 JJ Nassau Graduate Research Fellowship 1995 Mastin Graduate Fellowship 1995 Dean's List, University of Virginia 1994 Dean's List, University of Virginia

• Stellar Astrophysics
• Massive Stars
• Luminous Blue Variables
• +5 more

Elena Pierpaoli is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at USC Dornsife College, specializing in theoretical cosmology. Her research aims to determine the Universe's content and evolution through astrophysical observations. Primary research areas include Cosmic Microwave Background analysis, dark energy and dark matter properties, early universe physics, and cosmological model testing using galaxy clusters and large-scale structure data. Recent work focuses on gravitational lensing effects in CMB data and galaxy cluster dynamics. Research involves major collaborations including the Simons Observatory and CMB-S4 projects, developing next-generation cosmological surveys and instrumentation for precision cosmology.

• Theoretical Cosmology
• Cosmic Microwave Background
• Dark Energy
• +3 more

Ellen Zweibel is the W. L. Kraushaar Professor of Astronomy and Physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison , where she has been a faculty member since 2003. She holds a joint appointment in the Department of Astronomy and Physics . Zweibel earned her undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Chicago and her Ph.D. in Astrophysical Sciences from Princeton University. Her research focuses on plasma astrophysics , particularly the evolution of astrophysical magnetic fields , cosmic ray feedback in galactic and intergalactic environments, and stellar differential rotation dynamics. Recent work examines cosmic ray interactions with the interstellar medium, magnetic instabilities in galaxy clusters, and turbulence-driven dynamo processes. Zweibel's publications highlight collaborations on missions like HelioSwarm and SOFIA/HAWC+ , including the discovery of a magnetized dust ring in the Galactic Center . She leads NSF-funded research on microscale plasma processes in high-beta environments and contributes to understanding magnetic reconnection across astrophysical contexts.

• Plasma Astrophysics
• Astrophysical Magnetic Fields
• Interstellar Medium
• +6 more

Laura Blecha is an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at the University of Florida, specializing in astrophysics. Her research focuses on supermassive black hole (SMBH) and galaxy evolution through numerical simulations and observational collaborations. PhD from Harvard University (2012) Full Member of NANOGrav pulsar timing collaboration Associate Member of the LISA Consortium Her work spans three primary areas: SMBH Formation & Evolution : Origins of SMBHs, galaxy merger-driven growth, and intermediate-mass black hole demographics AGN Fueling & Feedback : Hydrodynamic simulations of AGN activation mechanisms and observational bias in AGN detection Binary SMBH Dynamics : Gravitational wave recoil effects, three-body interactions, and pulsar timing array detection strategies Recent publications (2025) focus on dual AGN detection with Keck AO, JWST studies of primordial galaxies, and NANOGrav gravitational wave background analysis. Her group develops sub-grid models for SMBH dynamics in cosmological simulations and investigates signatures of black hole mergers in galaxy clusters. Laura's research combines computational methods (Illustris, BRAHMA simulations) with observational validation through: JWST NIRSpec spectroscopy Pulsar Timing Array analysis Multiwavelength imaging campaigns

• Astrophysics
• Supermassive Black Hole Evolution
• Galaxy Mergers
• +3 more