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Mark Trodden is the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and Thomas S. Gates Jr. Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania. He previously served as the Fay R. and Eugene L. Langberg Professor of Physics, Department Chair, and Co-Director of the Center for Particle Cosmology. His career includes faculty roles at Syracuse University (2000–2009) and visiting positions at Case Western Reserve University and Cornell University. Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Physics, Brown University (1992–1995) Advanced Study in Mathematics, University of Cambridge (1990–1991) M.A. in Mathematics, University of Cambridge (1987–1990) Trodden’s research focuses on the intersection of cosmology and particle physics, addressing fundamental questions such as the nature of dark energy, dark matter, the baryon asymmetry of the universe, inflation, and modified gravity theories. His work explores how cosmological data can constrain physics beyond the Standard Model and general relativity. His publications span topics like dark energy models , inflationary spacetimes , topological defects , and BPS states in supersymmetric theories , reflecting his expertise in connecting high-energy physics to cosmological observations. At Penn, Trodden has held editorial roles for journals like Physics Letters B and Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics , and has contributed to collaborative workshops advancing cosmology and particle physics.

• Cosmology
• High Energy Theory
• Dark Energy
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Klasen is a leading theoretical physicist at the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Münster, where he heads his eponymous research group. His work bridges nuclear and particle physics, with significant contributions to quantum chromodynamics and physics beyond the Standard Model. His research focuses on Particle Physics , Quantum Chromodynamics , and Physics beyond the Standard Model , with particular emphasis on understanding the quark-gluon structure of atomic nuclei and dark matter phenomena. His innovative approach connects microscopic quark-gluon dynamics with nuclear binding phenomena, creating a crucial bridge between nuclear and particle physics. Prof. Klasen's recent work analyzing nucleon binding at the quark-gluon level was recognized as a "Breakthrough of the Year 2024" by Physics World. His research group's publication in Physical Review Letters demonstrated how quarks and gluons behave differently in nucleon pairs than in free nucleons, fundamentally advancing our understanding of nuclear binding. Breakthrough of the Year 2024 from Physics World Leadership of Research Training Group 2149 "Strong and weak interactions - from hadrons to dark matter" Supervision of award-winning doctoral research including the Infineon Dissertation Prize 2025 Prof. Klasen has successfully mentored numerous PhD students, with 20 of his group's graduates continuing their academic careers at prestigious institutions including CERN and Stanford University. His research has been supported by major funding bodies including the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Helmholtz Alliance for Astroparticle Physics, and BMBF collaborative research programs. The Klasen working group maintains active collaborations with international research networks including CTEQ, DM@NLO, and RESUMMINO.

• Particle Physics
• Quantum Chromodynamics
• Physics beyond the Standard Model
• +3 more

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
• +5 more

Eliot Quataert is a Professor of Astronomy and Physics at UC Berkeley, where he directs the Theoretical Astrophysics Center. He received his B.S. in Physics from MIT (1995) and Ph.D. in Astronomy from Harvard University (1999), followed by postdoctoral work at the Institute for Advanced Study. His research focuses on compact objects, galaxy formation, and high-energy astrophysics. He has made significant contributions to understanding black hole accretion, galactic winds, and plasma astrophysics through collaborations including the FIRE galaxy formation simulations and the Dedalus project. Quataert teaches a wide range of astrophysics courses, from introductory classes to specialized graduate topics on stellar evolution and accretion processes. He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in theoretical astrophysics.

• Compact Objects
• Galaxy Formation
• High Energy Astrophysics

Allison Kirkpatrick is an Associate Professor, Associate Chair, and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on understanding the relationship between supermassive black holes and galaxy evolution through observational astronomy. Dr. Kirkpatrick earned her PhD in Astronomy from the University of Massachusetts in 2016 and her BS in Mathematics from the University of Florida in 2007. Prior to joining KU in 2018, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Her research centers on observational studies of supermassive black holes and their effect on galaxy evolution. She utilizes data from major space telescopes including Spitzer, Herschel, Hubble, Chandra, and the James Webb Space Telescope. She is particularly known for coining the term "cold quasar" in 2019 to describe galaxies hosting luminous unobscured AGN while simultaneously maintaining prodigious star formation. Dr. Kirkpatrick serves as Principal Investigator for the MIRI EGS Galaxy and AGN (MEGA) survey, a 67-hour Cycle 2 JWST observing campaign that represents the largest area MIRI survey in more than 3 filters. Her work has been featured extensively in the press, with coverage in NewScientist, The Atlantic, Space.com, and other major media outlets from 2019-2024. She actively contributes to diversity and inclusion efforts in astronomy as the inaugural chair of her department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, faculty liaison for the Diversity in Physics group, and former Co-Director of the university's Multicultural Scholars Program.

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Supermassive Black Holes
• +5 more

Professor August Evrard is a distinguished academic at the University of Michigan, holding the Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship in Physics and Astronomy. He is affiliated with the Department of Physics within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Known for his contributions to cosmology and astrophysics, he pioneered the Problem Roulette tool, recognized with the Provost's Teaching Innovation Prize. His research focuses on galaxy clusters, dark matter, and cosmological surveys like the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and XXL Survey. He has been honored as an AAS Fellow (2025) and has contributed to advancements in physics education through innovative teaching methods and technologies. In research, Prof. Evrard explores topics such as dark matter halo dynamics, galaxy cluster properties, and weak lensing analyses. His work spans observational cosmology, computational modeling, and multi-wavelength astronomy. Notable projects include studies on galaxy cluster mass distributions, the relationship between X-ray emissions and velocity dispersions, and the application of machine learning to astrophysical data analysis. His contributions to education highlight the integration of AI-driven tools to enhance learning, as seen in initiatives like the Problem Roulette and course recommendation systems. Prof. Evrard's awards include the Provost's Teaching Innovation Prize for Problem Roulette and his AAS Fellowship. His academic leadership and innovative approaches to both research and education solidify his role as a pivotal figure in astrophysics and STEM pedagogy.

• Cosmology
• Astrophysics
• Galaxy Clusters
• +2 more

Pierre Raphaël is the Herchel Smith Professor of Pure Mathematics at the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS) at the University of Cambridge, where he joined in 2019. His academic career spans prestigious institutions including École Polytechnique, University of Cergy-Pontoise, Princeton University, and various research positions in France before his appointment at Cambridge. Professor Raphaël's research lies at the border between physics and pure mathematics, focusing on understanding energy concentration mechanisms and singularity formation during the propagation of non-linear waves. His work is deeply connected to fundamental nonlinear structures occurring in electromagnetism, astrophysics and turbulent fluid flows. He has made significant contributions to the mathematical analysis of nonlinear partial differential equations, particularly in understanding blow-up phenomena and singularity formation. His publications reveal a consistent research trajectory focused on nonlinear wave phenomena, with particular emphasis on energy concentration mechanisms and singularity formation across various mathematical models. His work spans multiple areas including nonlinear Schrödinger equations, heat equations, Korteweg-de Vries equations, and harmonic heat flows, demonstrating his expertise in analyzing critical and supercritical regimes where singularities may form. Grand Prix Alexandre Joannides 2014 from the French Academy of Sciences Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship 2019 Invited Speaker at International Congress of Mathematicians 2014 ERC Advance Grant recipient Professor Raphaël has secured significant research funding including European Research Council grants, demonstrating his leadership in the field. His research group at Cambridge focuses on singularity formation for nonlinear PDEs, as evidenced by the conference he organized at St Catharine's College in September 2024. His work bridges pure mathematics with physical applications, particularly in understanding extreme regimes of nonlinear wave propagation.

• Nonlinear Waves
• Singularity Formation
• Mathematical Physics
• +3 more

Donna Naples is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the Dietrich School. Her research focuses on neutrino physics, particularly their fundamental properties and oscillations. She is involved in major experiments such as NOvA, MicroBooNE, and the upcoming DUNE project at Fermilab. Her work contributes to understanding neutrino masses, mixing matrices, and potential sterile neutrinos. Naples has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Physical Society (2018). Research Interests: Neutrino oscillations and cross-section measurements High-intensity neutrino beam experiments (NuMI) Detector development for neutrino physics Search for sterile neutrinos and beyond-Standard-Model interactions Key Contributions: Leadership in the MicroBooNE detector design Analysis of MINERvA neutrino interaction data Role in planning the DUNE experiment Awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society (2018) Advising & Collaboration: Advises graduate student Fan Gao Collaborates with international teams on neutrino experiments

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

Professor Kellogg Stelle is a distinguished academic in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He holds the title of Professor of Physics and is part of research groups including the Physics of Universe and Theoretical Physics. His academic career includes a PhD from Brandeis University (1972–1977) and an AB in History and Science from Harvard University (1966–1970). His research focuses on Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics; Mathematical Physics; Quantum Physics; Astronomical and Space Sciences; Pure and Applied Mathematics. He has made significant contributions to supergravity, string theory, and cosmology, exploring topics like higher-order gravity, braneworld models, and quantum gravity phenomena. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks and cosmological implications, emphasizing unification theories and symmetry principles. Professor Stelle’s publications reflect a deep engagement with advanced topics such as compactification on Calabi-Yau manifolds, localized gravity in braneworld scenarios, and the ultraviolet problem in supergravity. His research often intersects with cutting-edge areas like quantum geometry and holography, contributing to foundational debates in theoretical physics. Affiliations include the Physics of Universe and Theoretical Physics groups at Imperial College, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to fundamental physics. He is fluent in French, Russian, Italian, and German, enhancing his international collaborations.

• Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics
• Mathematical Physics
• Quantum Physics
• +3 more

Professor David Alexander is a distinguished academic at Durham University's Department of Physics, where he serves as Professor and Chair of Board of Examiners. His responsibilities include Head of Section for Astronomy and Director of Postgraduate Research, demonstrating his significant leadership role within the department. Alexander is also responsible for teaching the Stars Lecturer component of the Level 2 Stars and Galaxies course. His primary research interests focus on Active Galactic Nuclei, black holes, and galaxy formation and evolution, representing core areas in modern astrophysics. Alexander's work spans observational and theoretical aspects of high-energy astrophysics, with particular emphasis on understanding the connections between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies across cosmic time. His research leverages data from major international facilities including NuSTAR, ALMA, DESI, and XMM-Newton, conducting multi-wavelength studies that combine X-ray, infrared, optical, and radio observations. Analysis of his most recent publications reveals a strong focus on AGN demographics, obscuration mechanisms, quasar environments, and the role of AGN in galaxy evolution. His work frequently explores the connection between AGN activity and galaxy properties, with particular attention to the cosmic evolution of these relationships. Recent papers demonstrate increasing emphasis on large-scale surveys and statistical approaches to understanding AGN populations. Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2000-2012) Philip Leverhulme Prize (2000-2008) Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2000-2003) Thomson Reuters ESI highly cited researcher over 2002-2012 Professor Alexander has been instrumental in numerous major survey projects including the NuSTAR extragalactic surveys, DESI quasar studies, and the VST ATLAS Quasar Survey. His collaborative work spans international teams and leverages cutting-edge observational facilities across the electromagnetic spectrum. His research group focuses on understanding the physical processes that govern AGN activity and their connection to galaxy evolution, with particular emphasis on obscured AGN populations and their role in the cosmic black hole growth history.

• Active Galactic Nuclei
• Black Holes
• Galaxy Formation and Evolution

Dr. Louise Willingale is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan. Specializing in high-intensity laser-plasma interactions, she leads experimental research at facilities including the ZEUS laser system and OMEGA EP. Her work combines experimental diagnostics with numerical modeling to advance understanding of relativistic plasma physics and ion acceleration mechanisms. Education: PhD in Physics from Imperial College London (2007) Research Focus: Investigates relativistic laser-plasma interactions through ion acceleration, magnetic field generation, and direct laser acceleration of electrons. Her work spans underdense/near-critical density plasmas, shock formation physics, and extreme electromagnetic field generation in laboratory astrophysics contexts. Recent Publication Trends: 2024-2025 studies emphasize ZEUS laser facility development, optimization of acceleration mechanisms (direct laser acceleration, wakefield acceleration), and magnetic field dynamics in multi-PW laser-solid interactions. Common subfields include collisionless shocks, radiation-driven plasma instabilities, and advanced diagnostics for relativistic charge particles. Labs & Collaborations: Affiliated with the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) and the Center for High-Energy-Density Laboratory Astrophysics Research (CHEDAR), working closely with the ZEUS laser facility team.

• Laser-plasma interaction at relativistic intensities
• Ion acceleration with intense lasers
• High-energy-density physics
• +3 more

Professor Oscar Dias is a faculty member in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on Einstein's gravity, black holes, holographic dualities, and gravitational aspects of string theory. He actively supervises PhD students in mathematical sciences and holds grants from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), including projects like 'New Frontiers in Particle Physics, Cosmology and Gravity.' His work explores topics such as cosmic censorship, black hole dynamics, and numerical general relativity, with recent contributions published in journals like Physical Review Letters and Journal of High Energy Physics . Key research interests include the study of black hole binaries in de Sitter space, the stability of charged black holes, and the interplay between holographic dualities and quantum field theories. His projects often involve collaborations with leading institutions, addressing foundational questions in theoretical physics and cosmology. Professor Dias is a member of the Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre and the String Theory and Holography group. His articles highlight advancements in understanding gravitational wave phenomena, quasinormal modes, and the behavior of black holes under various physical conditions. He currently accepts PhD applications and can be contacted via O.J.Campos-Dias@soton.ac.uk.

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

Dario Vretenar is a Professor of Physics at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zagreb (since 2001). He has held academic roles including Associate Professor (1997-2001) and Assistant Professor (1993-1997). His research focuses on theoretical nuclear physics, particularly energy density functional theory, nuclear weak interactions, and computational physics. He has held visiting positions at institutions such as Technical University Munich (Visiting Professor, 1999-2000) and University of Tokyo (2010). Education: Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics (University of Zagreb, 1988); M.Sc. in Physics (University of Zagreb, 1982). Postdoctoral fellowships included Yale University (1990) and Alexander von Humboldt Fellowships at Technical University Munich (1991-1993, 1997). Research Interests: Algebraic structure models for high-angular momentum states Low-energy nuclear effective field theory Nuclear astrophysical applications Development of relativistic energy density functionals Publications: Over 210 peer-reviewed articles (h-index 43, 7,000+ citations), 8 books, and 100+ conference contributions. Notable works include studies on nuclear clustering, quantum phase transitions, and neutron skin structure. Awards: Croatian Academy of Science and Arts Award for Science and Mathematics (2002) Croatian National Award for Science (2003) Fellow of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (2012) Service Roles: President of the Croatian Science Foundation (2013–present) Chair of the Physics Committee, Agency for Science and Higher Education, Croatia (2009–present) Board Member of Euroschool on Exotic Beams (2012–present) Teaching: Courses include Quantum Physics, Nuclear Structure, and Nuclear Astrophysics at undergraduate and graduate levels. Supervised numerous students in theoretical nuclear physics.

• Theoretical Nuclear Physics
• Energy Density Functional Theory
• Low-Energy Nuclear Effective Field Theory
• +3 more

Michael Barnes is a Tutorial Fellow in Physics and Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford. He contributes to the Department of Physics through teaching and research, with a focus on plasma behavior in magnetic fields. His work has critical applications in sustainable energy production via fusion and astrophysical systems. Professor Barnes teaches Mathematical Methods for Physicists to undergraduate students at University College and lectures on Complex Numbers and Ordinary Differential Equations . His pedagogical emphasis is on developing mathematical fluency for advanced physics topics. His research explores plasma turbulence suppression by sheared flows, particularly in magnetic confinement fusion. Key projects include the development of the TRINITY multiscale gyrokinetic transport code and studies on tokamak transport barriers. Recent publications highlight advancements in gyrokinetic simulations, collision operators, and beam diagnostics for fusion applications. Notable trends in his publications include multiscale modeling of plasma turbulence, zonal flow dynamics, and experimental comparisons for fusion devices like JET, MAST, and ITER. Subfields span from fundamental kinetic theory to applied fusion engineering.

• Plasma Physics
• Magnetic Confinement Fusion
• Astrophysical Accretion Disks
• +3 more

Pierre Baldi is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). He is affiliated with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. His research spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, bioinformatics, and communication networks, with notable projects in protein structure prediction, gene expression modeling, and neutrino physics collaborations like DUNE. Baldi’s work bridges theoretical foundations (e.g., neural network theory) and applied domains, including medical imaging and fusion technology. Key research interests include AI-driven biomedical applications, neural network theory, and interdisciplinary projects such as the DUNE neutrino experiment. His contributions to neural network engineering were recognized with the 2023 INNS Dennis Gabor Award, highlighting his paradigm-changing impact on computational neuroscience and physics. Baldi’s academic leadership includes directing UCI’s Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, fostering collaborations in computational biology and AI. His recent work explores AI’s role in healthcare, climate modeling (e.g., ClimSim-Online), and fundamental physics challenges like neutrino oscillation studies.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics
• +7 more