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Daniel SusonView profile

Professor

• Astrophysics
• Cosmology
• Physics Pedagogy
• +4 more

Dr. Daniel Suson is a Professor of Physics at Purdue University Northwest's Department of Chemistry and Physics, co-director of STEM on the Road program. He specializes in computational/theoretical astrophysics and physics education. His research focuses on variable speed of light theories, quantum entanglement in black holes, cosmological angular distribution techniques, and remote physics experiments using LEGO robotics. He has held leadership roles including Associate Dean (2016-2020), Interim Department Head (2011-2016), and Dean of School of Engineering, Mathematics and Sciences (2007-2010). Education: Ph.D. – Physics, University of Texas at Dallas M.S. – Physics, University of Texas at Dallas B.A. – Physics and Mathematics, University of Colorado Research Interests: Dr. Suson explores cosmic phenomena through computational models and theoretical frameworks. Key areas include gravitational physics (e.g., nanohertz gravitational wave background constraints), black hole dynamics, and pedagogical innovations in physics education. His work bridges astrophysical theory with experimental validation via robotics and educational technology. Awards: Bruno Rossi Prize (2011) as part of Fermi LAT team College Board Outstanding Instructor Award (2006) Japanese Society for Applied Physics Best Paper (1993) Advising & Grants: Collaborates with students and external researchers on projects funded by NASA and NSF. Has advised multiple undergraduate/graduate research projects in astrophysics and pedagogy. Previously led institutional initiatives to enhance STEM education and interdisciplinary collaboration. Labs/Teams: Leads the STEM on the Road outreach program, bringing physics experiments to K-12 schools. Active in Fermi-LAT collaboration for gamma-ray astronomy and DECADE cosmic shear project.

Álvaro Eugenio Chavarría GordienkoView profile

Associate Professor

• Dark Matter Detection
• Neutrino Physics
• Particle Astrophysics
• +3 more

Álvaro Eugenio Chavarría Gordienko is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Washington, affiliated with the Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA). He leads the DAMIC collaboration, which uses charge-coupled devices (CCDs) to search for dark matter particles. His research focuses on sub-GeV dark matter interactions, neutrinoless double beta decay via the Selena R&D project, and cosmogenic activation studies. He has held academic positions at the University of Washington since 2018, preceded by postdoctoral roles at the University of Chicago's Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (2012–2016). Education: PhD in Physics from Princeton University (2012), BS summa cum laude from Duke University (2007), and International Baccalaureate from the British School of Costa Rica (2002). Research Interests: Dark matter detection, sub-GeV particle searches, neutrino physics, and advanced detector technologies like skipper CCDs and amorphous selenium hybrid imagers. His work combines experimental physics with astrophysical implications, addressing fundamental questions about matter and symmetry in particle physics. Labs/Teams: Laboratories located in rooms B059 (Physics & Astronomy Building) and 165 (North Physics Lab), University of Washington. Key collaborations include DAMIC, Oscura, and Selena projects.

Mansi KasliwalView profile

Professor

• Astrophysics
• Stellar Evolution
• Multi-messenger Astronomy
• +3 more

Mansi Kasliwal is a Professor of Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), specializing in cosmic transients and multi-messenger astrophysics. She leads the Kasliwal research group, focusing on discovering and characterizing stellar mergers, neutron star mergers, and electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events. Her work leverages robotic telescopes like Palomar Gattini-IR and the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) for systematic surveys. Education: BS in Engineering Physics (Cornell University), MS & PhD in Astrophysics (Caltech) Affiliations: Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Caltech Research Interests Her research explores transient astrophysical phenomena, including supernovae, tidal disruption events, and stellar mergers. She pioneers projects like the Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH) and the SPIRITS space telescope survey. Her team develops instruments like WIRC+POL and leads pathfinder projects for future surveys like Cryoscope. Articles & Trends Recent work focuses on multi-messenger astronomy, including studies of gravitational wave sources, X-ray transients linked to supernovae, and dust formation in stellar explosions observed with JWST. Publications emphasize rapid follow-up observations of transients and their implications for stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. Advising & Grants Mansi has mentored over 20 graduate students and postdocs, many now leading roles in academia and industry. Her team secures grants for robotic surveys and instruments, with notable success in NSF PIRE projects and collaborations with institutions worldwide. Labs & Projects Key initiatives include the GROWTH international network, SPIRITS infrared survey, and ZTF optical surveys. She is a principal investigator for the Cryoscope Antarctic telescope project, aiming to revolutionize infrared transient detection.

Matthew GieslerView profile

Researcher

• Computational Astrophysics
• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Numerical Relativity
• +3 more

Matthew Giesler is a postdoctoral scholar in the TAPIR group at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), specializing in computational and theoretical astrophysics. His research focuses on numerical relativity, particularly using the Spectral Einstein Code (SpEC) as part of the Simulating eXtreme Spacetimes (SXS) collaboration to study black holes and gravitational waves. He contributes to large-scale simulations of binary black hole mergers and neutron star collisions, emphasizing high-precision modeling and waveform analysis. His work involves advancing numerical methods like discontinuous Galerkin techniques and investigating topics such as black hole ringdown overtones, small mass-ratio corrections, and gravitational wave parameter estimation. Giesler collaborates extensively with international teams including LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA to analyze observational data from gravitational wave detectors. Key projects include the SXS Collaboration's catalogs of binary black hole simulations and studies of extreme mass ratio systems. His research bridges theoretical predictions with observational data, contributing to tests of general relativity and cosmological parameter constraints. Despite no listed formal awards, his contributions to gravitational wave astronomy are highlighted through high-impact publications and collaborative efforts in multi-messenger astrophysics. His work supports the development of SpECTRE, a multi-physics simulation framework, and informs future gravitational wave detectors' data analysis methods.

Michael FebbraroView profile

Assistant Professor

• Experimental Nuclear Physics
• Radiation Detection
• Scintillating Materials
• +3 more

Dr. Michael Febbraro is a Research Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Department of Engineering Physics. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics (Nuclear Focus) from the University of Michigan (2014) and a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the same institution (2011). His postdoctoral work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) led to staff scientist status in 2017, where he spearheaded research in experimental nuclear physics, neutrino physics, and quantum sensing. He joined AFIT in 2023. Research Interests: Experimental nuclear physics Radiation detection technologies Scintillating materials development Dark matter detection Neutron spectroscopy Nuclear applications for national security Awards & Patents: Joule Award (U.S. Department of Energy, 2017) US Patent 10234575 (2019): Directional-neutron detector US Patent 10422042 (2019): Metal coating compositions Three invention disclosures at ORNL (2017) Key Contributions: Advancements in deuterated stilbene and liquid scintillator detectors COHERENT collaboration (first observation of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering) Development of boron-loaded scintillators and 3D-printable plastic detectors Labs & Collaborations: Active in COHERENT, PROSPECT, and LEGEND collaborations. Leader of the ORNL Deuterated Spectroscopic Array (ODeSA) and SABRE detector projects.

• Astrophysics
• Gamma-Ray Bursts
• Gravitational Lensing
• +12 more

R. J. Nemiroff is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Michigan Technological University, where he conducts research in astrophysics, particularly in gamma-ray bursts, gravitational lensing, cosmology, and sky monitoring. He is widely recognized as the co-creator of the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD), a pioneering public outreach project launched in 1995. His academic work spans theoretical, observational, and computational domains, and he has mentored several PhD students whose theses contributed to major projects like the Night Sky Live network. University: Michigan Technological University School: College of Sciences and Arts Department: Department of Physics Academic Rank: Professor His research interests include: - Gamma-ray burst physics (time dilation, pulse structure, hardness-luminosity relation) - Gravitational lensing (solar lens, microlensing, finite source effects) - Cosmology (Friedmann equations, dark energy, ultralight energy) - Sky monitoring and transient detection (CONCAM, Night Sky Live) - Astronomical data systems (ASCL, PHOTZIP compression) The 15 most recent articles reflect a strong focus on time-domain astrophysics, observational strategies, and innovative instrumentation. Trends include the development of all-sky monitoring networks, theoretical models for GRB emission, and methods to improve data accessibility and reproducibility in astronomy. His work bridges theoretical insight with practical implementation, often leading to falsifiable predictions and widely used tools. Scientific contributions: Co-founded APOD, a landmark science communication platform Founded the Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL) Organized modern versions of historic astronomical debates Discovered GRB time dilation signal with Jay Norris Proposed the solar gravitational lens as a future telescope Nemiroff has advised multiple PhD students, including Bijunath Patla, Lior Shamir, and Amir Shahmoradi, whose work advanced projects in lensing, data compression, and GRB physics. He secured NSF funding for the CONCAM/NSL project, which deployed fisheye cameras globally for cloud and transient monitoring. Though the project ended due to funding constraints, it pioneered real-time sky monitoring practices now adopted worldwide. He leads or has led several innovative teams: Night Sky Live (NSL) project team for global sky monitoring APOD editorial team with Jerry Bonnell ASCL development and curation group GRB research group at NASA GSFC and MTU

• Astrophysics
• Relativistic Hydrodynamics
• Computational Astrophysics
• +7 more

Miguel Ángel Aloy Torás is a Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Faculty of Physics, University of Valencia. He is a leading researcher in theoretical and computational astrophysics, focusing on high-energy phenomena such as relativistic jets, gamma-ray bursts, and core-collapse supernovae. His research interests span astrophysics, relativistic hydrodynamics, computational physics, and numerical analysis. He specializes in modeling extreme astrophysical environments using advanced numerical simulations, particularly in general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD) and high-performance computing. His work contributes to understanding gravitational wave sources and transient cosmic events. The publications highlight a strong trend in developing and applying numerical methods to solve complex systems in relativistic astrophysics. Early work focused on relativistic hydrodynamics and Riemann solvers, while more recent contributions include algorithmic improvements in iterative solvers like the Scheduled Relaxation Jacobi method, demonstrating a sustained focus on computational innovation for physical modeling. He is the principal investigator of the CAMAP (Computer Aided Modeling of Astrophysical Plasma) research group, which develops simulation codes for astrophysical plasmas. His collaborative network includes prominent researchers in computational astrophysics across Spain and Europe.

Andreas EnqvistView profile

Professor

• Nuclear Engineering
• Radiation Detection
• Neutron Spectroscopy
• +12 more

Andreas Enqvist is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida, College of Engineering, where he leads the Enqvist Research Group (LOKE). The group is part of the Nuclear Engineering Program and actively contributes to national and international efforts in nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, and radiation detection. They are members of the US Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification (NA-22) and collaborate with NASA on planetary protection research. Their research focuses on the detection and modeling of neutron and gamma-ray signatures from nuclear materials, particularly fresh and spent nuclear fuel. Key areas include nondestructive assay, neutron spectroscopy, detector development (especially He-4 scintillators), data fusion with vision systems, and simulation using tools like MCNPX-PoliMi and SCALE. The group conducts experiments at the University of Florida Training Reactor (UFTR) and the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). The recent publications (2020–2025) reflect a strong emphasis on optimizing detector configurations, neutron scatter cameras, pulse shape discrimination using machine learning, dry cask monitoring, and advanced data fusion techniques. There is a clear trend toward integrating physics-based models with AI/ML methods and developing compact, field-deployable systems for nuclear security applications. Member, NNSA NA-22 Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification Collaborator, NASA Planetary Protection Research Program Principal Investigator, NEUP-funded projects The group mentors several students and researchers, including Cat, Brice, Sai, Jaylen, Nuo, and Joseph. They have secured funding from NNSA and DOE for projects related to nuclear safeguards, verification technologies, and training reactor applications. Their work bridges fundamental nuclear physics with practical engineering solutions for global security and space exploration. The Enqvist Research Group operates within the University of Florida’s Nuclear Engineering infrastructure, utilizing the UF Training Reactor and advanced simulation capabilities. They collaborate with national laboratories and other university teams within the NNSA consortium, forming a key part of a larger network dedicated to advancing nuclear monitoring technologies.

Selina Ringsborg Howalt OweView profile

Research Fellow

• Radiation Detectors
• High Energy Astrophysics
• X-ray and Gamma-ray Imaging
• +3 more

Selina Ringsborg Howalt Owe is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Space Research and Technology, National Space Institute (DTU Space), Technical University of Denmark. Her research focuses on radiation detector development for space astronomy and medical imaging applications, with current involvement in the i-RASE project on intelligent radiation sensor systems. Education: PhD in Space Research and Technology, Technical University of Denmark (2019-2024) Her research expertise centers on semiconductor radiation detectors, particularly Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) and perovskite-based systems. She specializes in 3D drift strip detector design, pulse shape engineering, and high-resolution imaging for gamma-ray astronomy and molecular breast cancer diagnostics. Key technical contributions include optimizing electron mobility, energy resolution, and spatial resolution in detector systems operating at room temperature. Recent publications reveal a concentrated research trajectory in advanced detector technologies, with emphasis on theoretical modeling of CdZnTe performance, feasibility studies for space-based Compton cameras, and novel electrode configurations using perovskite crystals. These works bridge nuclear physics, materials science, and medical engineering, consistently targeting improvements in imaging precision for both astronomical observations and clinical diagnostics. Dr. Owe has participated in three major research projects: as PhD student in the 3D MBI project (2018-2021) developing breast imaging detectors, lead researcher in the 3D Imaging Detectors project (2019-2024) for high-energy astronomy, and current project participant in i-RASE (2024-2028) creating intelligent radiation sensor systems. Her work receives funding from Danish research councils with applications spanning European Space Agency missions and medical diagnostic technologies. She operates within DTU Space's detector development group, collaborating closely with Professor Irfan Kuvvetli and Dr. Carl Budtz-Jørgensen. The team maintains strong international partnerships with space agencies and medical research institutions, focusing on translating detector innovations into operational space instrumentation and clinical diagnostic tools.

• Galactic astronomy
• Cosmology
• Extragalactic astronomy
• +3 more

Dr. Jim Lovell serves as an Adjunct Senior Researcher in the Physics department within the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania. His research focuses on galactic astronomy, cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, and geodesy, utilizing advanced radio astronomy techniques and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). He operates from the 464 Maths-Physics Building on the Sandy Bay Campus in Tasmania. His research interests center on galactic structure and evolution , cosmological reference frames , and geodetic applications of radio astronomy . Lovell employs VLBI arrays including the AuScope network to study interstellar scintillation, active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray sources, and Earth orientation parameters. His work bridges astronomy and geodesy through projects connecting celestial reference frames to terrestrial measurements, with significant focus on Southern Hemisphere observations. Lovell has secured substantial research funding including Australian Research Council grants and Department of Industry projects totaling over $50 million since 2006. His major projects include the AuScope VLBI Array Operations, Structure and Evolution of the Australian Continent, and Geophysical Science with AuScope Arrays. He has supervised six graduate students through doctoral and master's programs. As a key contributor to the AuScope infrastructure, Lovell operates radio telescopes at Hobart and Ceduna as part of the Long Baseline Array. His laboratory work involves the development of broadband receivers and advanced scheduling systems for geodetic VLBI observations. Current research directions include gravitational redshift experiments, methanol absorption studies in lensed quasars, and gamma-ray source characterization through multiwavelength campaigns.

• Particle Astrophysics
• Neutrino Astronomy
• Cosmology
• +5 more

Francis Halzen is the Gregory Breit Professor and Vilas Research Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has been a key figure in the Department of Physics since 1987. As principal investigator of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, he has pioneered neutrino astronomy through projects like AMANDA and IceCube, transforming Antarctic ice into a Cherenkov detector for high-energy subatomic particles. Academic Appointments : Vilas Research Professor, Gregory Breit Professor Key Collaborations : IceCube Collaboration, AMANDA Collaboration Research Focus : Dr. Halzen's work spans particle astrophysics, neutrino astronomy, and cosmology. He investigates cosmic ray acceleration mechanisms, dark matter, and neutrino oscillations, with recent studies on extragalactic neutrino sources like NGC 1068 and TXS 0506+056. His team uses machine learning for low-energy neutrino reconstruction and explores theories involving extra dimensions. Scientific Contributions : IceCube's 2023 discovery of Galactic plane neutrinos and 2022 NGC 1068 neutrino emission stand out among his 1,000+ publications. The 2013 observation of PeV-energy neutrinos marked a breakthrough in high-energy astrophysics. Major Awards : Balzan Prize (2015), European Physical Society Prize (2015), Julius Wess Award (2017), Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award (2014) Honorary Doctorates : Ghent University (2013), Southern Methodist University (2017), Ruhr University Bochum (2022) Technical Leadership : Dr. Halzen contributes to detector design, including IceCube-Gen2 upgrades and KM3NeT projects. He advises on major experiments like SNO, Auger-Upgrade, and Fermilab PAC, while advancing open-source analysis frameworks like GollumFit.

Magdalena Długosz-LisieckaView profile

Professor

• Radioecology
• Radioactive isotope tracing
• Environmental radioactivity
• +3 more

Prof. dr hab. Magdalena Długosz-Lisiecka is a full professor at the Lodz University of Technology (Politechnika Łódzka) , where she directs the Laboratory of Isotopic Methods . She combines extensive expertise in experimental physics, applied computer science, and chemical sciences to advance radioecological research, environmental radioactivity monitoring, and nuclear forensics. Her academic journey spans multidisciplinary studies in experimental physics and applied computer science, followed by a doctorate in chemical sciences. This foundation has enabled her to develop novel isotopic tracing techniques and contribute to radiation protection and environmental safety. Research interests revolve around: Use of radioactive isotopes as environmental tracers Radioecology and environmental radioactivity Aerosol dynamics and atmospheric removal processes Radiation protection and nuclear forensics Medical isotope production and radioactive waste management Her recent publications (2022–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on aerosol radioactivity, isotope tracing in fossils, medical accelerator activation, and environmental contamination assessment. These works underscore her leadership in applying nuclear techniques to environmental and health challenges. Collaborations : She actively partners with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) , the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA) , and the Central Laboratory for Radiation Protection (CLOR) , among other national and international centres. Laboratory Leadership : As head of the Laboratory of Isotopic Methods, she oversees teaching, commercial research, and scientific projects, fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation.

• Astrophysics
• Gravitational Waves
• Binary Evolution
• +3 more

Dr. Marc van der Sluys van der Sluijs is a researcher at Utrecht University's Department of Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP) and the Dutch National Institute for Nuclear and High Energy Physics (Nikhef) in Amsterdam. His academic focus spans gravitational-wave detection, binary evolution, and computational astrophysics, with active roles in the Virgo, LIGO, and Einstein Telescope collaborations. Research Interests: His work centers on gravitational-wave data analysis, neutron star and black hole coalescences, common-envelope evolution, and multi-messenger astronomy. He employs heavy computing and Bayesian statistics for empirical modeling of astrophysical phenomena. Teaching: He teaches Introduction to Astrophysics and Stellar Evolution in Utrecht University's physics bachelor program. Publications: His recent articles (2019–2025) predominantly explore gravitational-wave detection methodologies, dark matter searches, and solar position algorithms. Key themes include machine learning applications in astrophysics, multi-instrument data analysis, and open-source software development for scientific computation. Ancillary Activities: He founded hemel.waarnemen.com , a popular Dutch astronomy website with 1–2 million annual visits, providing observational guides for celestial phenomena in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Joshua SmithView profile

Professor

• Gravitational-Wave Physics
• Optics
• Interferometry
• +3 more

Joshua Smith is a Professor of Physics and Director of the Nicholas and Lee Begovich Center for Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy at California State University Fullerton. As Deputy Director of the Cosmic Explorer next-generation GW detector project, he bridges cutting-edge optics research with large-scale astrophysical discovery. Current roles: Professor of Physics Dan Black Director, Begovich Center Deputy Director, Cosmic Explorer Research focus: Gravitational wave detector optics LIGO interferometry Detector network characterization Dark matter searches via GW data His publications span gravitational wave detection methods, optical coating materials, and astrophysical implications of GW observations. Recent work includes next-generation observatory siting criteria and advanced data analysis techniques for transient GW events. Joshua Smith contributes to open-source detector characterization software and collaborates across the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA network. He leads efforts to improve detector sensitivity through materials science and interferometry innovations, while exploring multi-messenger astrophysics connections. The Begovich Center under his leadership supports gravitational wave research, education, and public outreach. His team actively participates in Cosmic Explorer R&D initiatives and maintains key detector diagnostics tools used across the global GW community.

Petar ŽugecView profile

Associate Professor

• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
• Neutron Capture
• +3 more

Associate Professor Petar Žugec is affiliated with the Department of Experimental Physics at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , University of Zagreb. He actively contributes to both undergraduate and graduate teaching , covering core topics in Physics 1, Physics 2, Symbolic Programming , and specialized courses in Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics . As a member of the CERN n_TOF collaboration , he focuses on neutron cross-section measurements critical for astrophysics and nuclear reactor applications . His research involves experimental nuclear physics using advanced detector systems , including Segmented Total Energy Detectors (sTED) and Compton gamma cameras . He participates in projects like PRECIOUS and SAT-PHENO , aiming to improve neutron capture data for stellar nucleosynthesis modeling . Recent publications emphasize machine learning applications in resolution function parametrization and event classification for high-precision experiments. His work at the CERN n_TOF facility addresses challenges in high count rate scintillation detectors and neutron-induced fission studies , particularly for 235U and 239Pu . He contributes to gamma-ray polarization research in positron emission tomography and has co-authored technical guidelines for detector setup characterization . No scientific awards or student advisement details were explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.