Find Academic Supervisors

Pavlidou VasilikiView profile

Professor

• High-energy astrophysics
• Cosmology
• Polarimetry of high-energy sources
• +5 more

Professor Vasiliki Pavlidou holds a faculty position in the Department of Physics at the University of Crete. She is also Director of the Institute of Astrophysics at FORTH and Skinaka Observatory. Her career includes postdoctoral roles at the University of Chicago and Caltech, followed by visiting research at the Max-Planck Institute. She has led major initiatives like the RoboPol and PASIPHAE projects, focusing on blazar polarimetry and Galactic magnetic field mapping. Her research integrates high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics probes through cosmic rays. Key achievements include securing an ERC Synergy Grant (2024) and receiving the L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Prize (2010). She has pioneered studies on cosmic birefringence, milli-lensing, and turnaround radius cosmology. Education: BSc in Physics (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 1999); PhD in Physics (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2005) Positions: Deputy Director of Institute of Astrophysics-FORTH (2021–); Associate Editor of Astronomy & Astrophysics (2023–) Research Interests: Her work spans cosmic microwave background polarization studies via LiteBIRD, galactic magnetic field tomography, and ultra-high-energy cosmic ray deflection modeling. She investigates blazar variability mechanisms, dark matter/dark energy probes through galaxy clusters, and synergies between particle physics and astrophysical observations. Recent focus includes applying machine learning to cosmological structure analysis and developing novel polarimetric instrumentation. Impact: Over 70 peer-reviewed publications since 2005, including seminal works on CMB lensing forecasts, magnetic field reconstruction algorithms, and blazar polarimetric monitoring. Her ERC-funded MW-Atlas project aims to create a 3D galactic map. She also contributes to astronomy education through teacher training programs (ABATAC project). Grants: ERC Synergy Grant (2024), L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize (2010), Einstein Fellowship (2008–2011) Leadership: Directs two major facilities and oversees international collaborations like PASIPHAE (pan-European optical polarimetry survey)

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Exoplanetary Science
• +4 more

Maxwell Andrew Millar-Blanchaer is a leading researcher in astronomical instrumentation, polarimetry, and exoplanet imaging. His work focuses on high-contrast imaging techniques, debris disk analysis, and observational astrophysics. He collaborates with major observatories like JWST , Keck , and Gemini Planet Imager . Research Interests: Millar-Blanchaer specializes in polarimetry for mapping interstellar magnetic fields and high-contrast imaging to study exoplanetary systems . His work includes instrumentation development for next-generation telescopes and debris disk characterization to understand planetary formation. Scientific Awards: NSF Collaborative Research Grant (2024) Projects & Collaborations: He contributes to JWST , Gemini , and Keck programs, developing pipelines like spaceKLIP and PIRATES for data reduction. His work spans SCExAO/VAMPIRES and KPIC teams for polarimetric and interferometric studies.

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Infrared Astronomy
• +2 more

Juan Manuel Espejo Salcedo is a Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, Germany, affiliated with the Infrared department. His position is based at Gießenbachstraße 1, 85748 Garching, Bavaria. His research focuses on infrared astronomy and astrophysics, specializing in observational techniques for studying celestial objects through infrared wavelengths. This work contributes to understanding cosmic phenomena obscured in visible light, including star formation regions, galactic centers, and cool interstellar matter. His departmental affiliation indicates active involvement in instrumentation and data analysis for infrared telescopes and space-based observatories. Dr. Espejo Salcedo maintains direct institutional contact through phone (+49 89 30000-3826) and is physically located in room X5 1.3.42 at the MPE facility.

Edo BergerView profile

Professor

• Time-domain Astrophysics
• Supernovae
• Gamma-ray Bursts
• +3 more

Edo Berger is a Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University's Department of Astronomy and the Center for Astrophysics. He leads the Cosmic Transients Lab, focusing on time-domain astrophysics including supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, tidal disruption events, gravitational wave events, and magnetic activity in substellar objects. His team employs multi-wavelength observations (radio to γ-rays) and machine learning techniques for transient classification and gravitational wave analysis. His research explores explosive astrophysical phenomena through advanced observational methods. Recent work emphasizes: Multi-messenger studies of gamma-ray burst afterglows Long-term evolution of tidal disruption events Machine learning approaches for real-time transient classification Radio and submillimeter follow-up of gravitational wave counterparts Berger received his PhD from Caltech in 2004 and was a Hubble/Carnegie-Princeton Postdoctoral Fellow (2004-2008). Honors include the 2016 APS Division of Astrophysics Thesis Award and 2016 Star Family Challenge Prize. He maintains extensive observational programs using ground/space-based facilities including ALMA, VLA, HST, and JWST.

Donald TerndrupView profile

Associate Professor

• Angular Momentum Evolution in Stars
• Star Clusters
• Stellar Populations
• +3 more

Donald Terndrup is an Associate Professor of Astronomy at The Ohio State University, specializing in observational astronomy with a focus on stellar populations, quasar winds, and galactic evolution. He joined the faculty in 1990 and has contributed extensively to studies of quasar outflows and their impact on galaxy formation. His research bridges stellar astrophysics and extragalactic phenomena, particularly examining angular momentum evolution in stars and the structure of the Galactic bulge. Education: Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics from UC Santa Cruz (1986), A.B. in Physics and Astronomy from UC Berkeley (1981). He served as Program Director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences at the National Science Foundation (2008–2012), emphasizing his leadership in astronomical research policy. Courses taught include Astronomy 3350 (Methods of Astronomical Observation) and Astronomy 1221 (Astronomy Data Analysis). Research Interests: Terndrup’s work centers on quasar winds and feedback mechanisms, using multi-wavelength observations and spectral synthesis techniques. He investigates how outflows from active galactic nuclei influence galaxy evolution, with recent focus on iron low-ionization broad absorption-line (FeLoBAL) quasars. His studies employ advanced tools like SimBAL simulations to model outflow dynamics and energetics. Articles Trends: His publications (2020–2024) emphasize quasar outflow physics, including geometric modeling, spectral variability analysis, and connections between accretion processes and radiation-driven winds. Collaborations span institutions worldwide, addressing topics like γ-ray novae and stellar rotation in the Kepler field. Grants & Advising: Funded by NSF grants such as the Collaborative Research on BAL quasar spectral synthesis (2020). Advises graduate students on AGN feedback projects and undergraduate research through initiatives like 'Quasar Outflows for Undergraduates and Everyone.' Labs/Teams: Active in collaborative projects such as the 4MOST-Gaia Quasar Survey and Dragonfly Galaxy studies, focusing on high-redshift galaxy mergers and radio jet interactions.

Travis RectorView profile

Professor

• Astronomy Education Research
• Blazars
• Multiwavelength Observational Techniques
• +7 more

Travis Rector is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. His academic profile demonstrates a dual focus on astrophysical research and astronomy education, with particular emphasis on observational techniques and visualization methods. He maintains an active presence in both research and teaching, with recent publications spanning from 2011-2016 and teaching responsibilities in multiple astronomy courses. Ph.D. in Astrophysics, University of Colorado, 1998 M.S. in Astrophysics, University of Colorado, 1995 B.S. in Physics, Trinity University, 1992 Rector's research spans two primary domains: observational astrophysics and astronomy education. In astrophysics, he investigates blazars (BL Lac objects), cataclysmic variables, young stellar objects in star-forming regions, and recurrent novae in M31. His work often employs multiwavelength observational techniques to study these phenomena. In astronomy education research, he focuses on student learning through authentic research experiences, particularly using robotic telescope networks for asteroid observation projects and developing tools like OrbitMaster for visualizing solar system dynamics. His research in imagery and visualization of research data bridges both domains, creating effective ways to present complex astronomical concepts. Analysis of Rector's publication record reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach that combines observational astronomy with educational innovation. His work on recurrent novae in M31 represents a significant contribution to extragalactic variable star research, while his educational publications demonstrate a decade-long commitment to improving astronomy education through authentic research experiences. The recurring theme across his work is the application of observational techniques to both astrophysical research and educational contexts. Rector teaches multiple astronomy courses including Solar System Astronomy (ASTR A103), Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (ASTR A104), Astrobiology (ASTR A365), and Basic Physics I (PHYS A123). His educational research focuses particularly on how non-science majors benefit from authentic research experiences, with assessment data spanning over a decade. Dr. Rector is actively involved with the RBSE Nova Search Team, contributing to the creation of a uniform catalog of novae in M31. His work with robotic telescope networks for student research projects indicates involvement with observational facilities that support both research and educational objectives.

• Astrophysics
• Radio Astronomy
• Neutron Star Physics
• +3 more

Dr. Manisha Caleb is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's School of Physics, specializing in astrophysics with a focus on neutron stars, fast radio bursts (FRBs), and radio transients. Her research leverages cutting-edge facilities like MeerKAT and ASKAP to explore extreme astrophysical phenomena. Her work includes groundbreaking discoveries such as the 76-second pulsar PSR J0901-4046 and the characterization of magnetar XTE J1810-197. She leads the MeerTRAP survey, which has localized over a dozen FRBs and Galactic radio transients in real-time. Dr. Caleb's DECRA grant (2022) supports her exploration of localized FRBs as cosmological probes. Research interests span pulsar emission mechanisms, FRB polarization properties, magnetar outburst dynamics, and multi-messenger astrophysics. Key collaborations involve the CSIRO, MeerKAT telescope, and international teams analyzing transient data from optical/X-ray/TeV instruments. Awards include the ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA). Her findings challenge theoretical models of neutron star evolution and contribute to understanding the origins of transient radio signals. Dr. Caleb's lab works closely with the Sydney Institute for Astronomy and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav). Ongoing projects include analyzing FRB host galaxies and developing real-time transient detection algorithms.

Adam FrankView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Astrophysics
• Plasma Physics
• Extraterrestrial Life
• +3 more

Adam Frank is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester. He holds a PhD from the University of Washington (1992) and has held postdoctoral roles at Leiden University and the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on theoretical astrophysics, including stellar evolution, plasma dynamics, and computational modeling of astrophysical phenomena like jets from Young Stellar Objects and planetary nebulae. Frank collaborates with the Laboratory for Laser Energetics on high-energy plasma studies, investigating topics such as magnetic diffusion in interstellar clouds. Active in science communication, he has authored popular books (e.g., The Little Book of Aliens ), written for Discover and Astronomy magazines, and received awards for science writing. His work bridges astrophysics with broader cultural questions about humanity’s place in the universe. Education: PhD in Physics (1992), University of Washington. Postdoctoral roles at Leiden University and University of Minnesota. Research Interests: Theoretical astrophysics, plasma physics, exoplanet studies, and the co-evolution of biospheres and planets. Recent work explores technosignatures, the oxygen bottleneck for technospheres, and the dynamics of common envelope evolution in stars. He uses supercomputing simulations and collaborates with experimental plasma facilities like the TCV tokamak. Awards: Hubble Fellowship (1995), American Astronomical Society’s Science-Writing Prize (1999), University Bridging Fellowship (2005). His books blend rigorous science with accessible storytelling, addressing topics like extraterrestrial life and the philosophical implications of scientific discovery. Labs/Teams: Part of the University of Rochester’s Theoretical Astrophysics group and the AstroBEAR computational initiative. Collaborates with the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) on plasma astrophysics projects.

Ryosuke HiraiView profile

Research Fellow

• Astrophysics
• Stellar Evolution
• Binary Star Systems
• +4 more

Ryosuke Hirai is a Research Fellow at the School of Physics and Astronomy at Monash University with an active research career spanning from 2014 to 2024. He has produced 37 research outputs, demonstrating increasing productivity with 4 publications in 2024 alone. His academic profile includes an ORCID identifier (0000-0002-8032-8174) and significant scholarly impact. Dr. Hirai's research focuses on stellar evolution with particular emphasis on binary star systems . His work explores complex phenomena including common envelope evolution , supernovae mechanisms , and dust formation in stellar environments. He employs both theoretical modeling and computational approaches, with recent work featuring advanced 3D simulations of stellar interactions. His research shows strong connections to gravitational wave astronomy through the study of stellar mergers and compact object formation. Dr. Hirai has received notable recognition including the OzGrav Scientific Achievement Award (Astronomy theme) and the OzGrav Rising Star Award - Runner up , both awarded in November 2023. His publications have garnered significant attention in the scientific community, with multiple papers receiving numerous citations and broader impact through news coverage and academic discussion. OzGrav Rising Star Award - Runner up (November 2023) OzGrav Scientific Achievement Award (Astronomy theme) (November 2023) His research demonstrates substantial collaborative activity across international boundaries, with publications referenced in Wikipedia pages, featured in numerous news outlets (32 outlets for some works), and discussed across social media platforms. Dr. Hirai's work shows consistent growth in impact, with recent publications receiving multiple citations and contributing to ongoing discussions in stellar astrophysics.

• Astrophysics
• Cosmic Dust
• Supernovae
• +4 more

Christa Gall is an Associate Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute , University of Copenhagen, specializing in astrophysics within the DARK and Cosmic Dawn Center (DAWN) research groups. Her work focuses on the life cycle of cosmic matter, particularly elemental synthesis in massive stars and subsequent cosmic dust formation. Research Areas : Astrophysics, Cosmic Dust Evolution, Supernovae Studies, Galaxy Formation, Machine Learning Applications Projects : Villum Experiment COSMO-BRIDGE, LSST transient follow-up systems, Gravitational Wave Multi-messenger Studies Methodologies : Bayesian modeling, Hierarchical data analysis, Multi-wavelength observations Her publications demonstrate expertise in Type Ia supernova standardization, dust removal timescales in galaxies, and real-time transient detection systems. She contributes to machine learning implementations for time-domain astronomy and gravitational wave counterpart studies. Collaborations span institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia, with recent work appearing in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society . She actively participates in international telescope campaigns and data stream optimization initiatives.

• Fast Radio Bursts
• Magnetars
• Gamma-Ray Bursts
• +7 more

Ben T Margalit is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, affiliated with the College of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on transient high-energy astrophysical phenomena, particularly Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) , Magnetars , and Gamma-Ray Bursts , with a strong emphasis on Neutron Star Mergers and Supernovae . He leverages multi-wavelength observations (radio, X-ray) and computational modeling to study emission mechanisms and cosmic environments. Projects: Accurately Modeling Emission from Fast, Mildly-Relativistic Transients (NSF-funded, 2025–2028) Not so heavy metal: an enhanced rate of SLSNe at Cosmic Noon (Research Corporation-funded, 2025–2026) Research Trends: His recent work (2023–2024) bridges Radio Astronomy and X-Ray Astronomy , with articles exploring FRB host galaxies, synchrotron shocks, and connections to Star Formation and Galaxy Evolution . He utilizes facilities like CHIME and the Very Large Array to probe transient phenomena. Collaboration Network: Active in international collaborations with institutions contributing to CHIME/FRB discoveries and radio/X-ray cross-survey projects.

• Astrophysics
• Planet Formation
• Star Formation
• +3 more

Michael Küffmeier is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Niels Bohr Institute , University of Copenhagen , specializing in Astrophysics and Planetary Research . His work focuses on protoplanetary disk evolution, star formation dynamics, and exoplanetary systems. Research Interests : Protoplanetary disk structure and spiral arm formation Star-disk misalignment and angular momentum transport Exoplanet detection via microlensing Infall streamers and accretion processes in young stars Magnetohydrodynamical modeling Selected Publications (2024–2025) analyze disk shadows, gas bridges in binary systems, and dynamical trajectories around young stars. He collaborates with international teams like RoboNet , OGLE , and NOEMA projects.

Shantanu BasuView profile

Professor

• Astronomy
• Astrophysics
• Star Formation
• +4 more

Shantanu Basu is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Western University's Faculty of Science. He is also a Western Space Investigator affiliated with the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX), contributing significantly to space-related research initiatives at the university. Dr. Basu is internationally recognized as an expert in the early stages of star formation and protoplanetary disk formation and evolution. He is one of the originators of the Migrating Embryo Model for protoplanetary disk evolution, which provides a unified scenario for angular momentum transport, binary star and giant planet formation, and the formation of ejected freely floating low mass objects. His recent research has expanded to include the formation of supermassive black holes at high redshift. Dr. Basu has organized a series of international winter schools on astronomy with a special focus on star and planet formation, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. Analysis of Dr. Basu's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on magnetic field effects in star-forming regions, protoplanetary disk dynamics, and the application of advanced computational techniques including physics-informed neural networks to solve complex astrophysical problems. His work spans observational astronomy, theoretical modeling, and computational approaches, with particular focus on magnetic field structures, disk winds, and the processes governing star and planet formation. Asteroid 277883 Basu named after him by the International Astronomical Union (2013) Dr. Basu has authored the textbook "Essential Astrophysics: Interstellar Medium to Stellar Remnants," published by CRC Press in 2021, which serves as an important educational resource in the field of astrophysics. His research bridges theoretical, observational, and computational approaches to understanding fundamental astrophysical processes from the formation of stars and planets to the evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes.

Susanne PfalznerView profile

Associate Professor

• Star Formation
• Planet Formation
• Solar System Formation
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Susanne Pfalzner is a German astrophysicist and Head of the SDL Astronomy and Astrophysics group at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) . She is also an Associate Professor at the University of Cologne and conducts research at the Max Planck Institute for Radioastronomy, Bonn . Her work focuses on star and planet formation, solar system evolution, and interstellar objects, leveraging advanced numerical simulations and AI-driven methodologies.

• Dwarf spheroidal galaxies
• Stellar populations
• Galactic chemical evolution
• +7 more

Eline Tolstoy is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Groningen , Faculty of Science and Engineering. She leads a research program devoted to understanding the formation and evolution of dwarf spheroidal galaxies through detailed chemo-dynamical studies of resolved stellar populations. Research Interests Tolstoy’s work centers on the astrophysics of dwarf galaxies , using multi-wavelength, high-resolution spectroscopic data to trace star-formation histories, metallicity evolution, and dark matter content. Her expertise spans: Dwarf spheroidal galaxy dynamics and dark matter halos Chemical tagging of stellar populations via spectroscopic surveys Star formation histories inferred from color-magnitude diagrams and spectroscopy Next-generation instrumentation (WEAVE, WST, Euclid, MICADO) Galactic archaeology and near-field cosmology Recent Research Trends Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on 3D chemo-dynamical mapping of Local Group dwarf galaxies, leveraging Gaia astrometry and VLT/FLAMES spectroscopy to derive precise kinematics and metallicities for thousands of individual stars. Collaborative papers on the WEAVE and WST facilities highlight her leadership in designing future wide-field spectroscopic surveys that will extend these studies to larger galactic samples and higher redshifts. Scientific Awards George Darwin Lectureship, Royal Astronomical Society (2013) Pastor Schmeits Prize (2007) NWO VICI Research Grant under the Innovational Research Incentives Scheme (2007) Data, Grants & Collaborations Tolstoy has secured major funding through the highly competitive NWO VICI program and participates in large international consortia including the Euclid space mission, the WEAVE spectroscopic survey, and the MICADO first-light imager for the ELT. She has released 31 curated datasets via the Strasbourg and Groningen astronomical data centers, underpinning reproducibility and open science. Labs & Teams She heads a dynamic research group within the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute at Groningen, supervising post-docs, PhD students, and international visitors. The group operates at the intersection of observation, theory, and instrumentation, fostering strong collaborations with ESO, ESA, and institutes across Europe and North America.