Luminous Blue Variables Professors and Supervisors

John MartinView profile

Associate Professor

University of Illinois at SpringfieldUnited States

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

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Samantha OatesView profile

Lecturer

Lancaster UniversityUnited Kingdom

Dr Samantha Oates is a Lecturer in Astrophysics within the Department of Physics at Lancaster University's Faculty of Science and Technology. Her office is located in C035, C-Floor, Physics Building. Her research focuses on Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs) in the gravitational wave era, investigating environments of GRB explosions, central engine mechanisms, jet structures, cosmological evolution of GRBs, and electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events. She actively participates in international collaborations including Swift, LSST, STARGATE, and ENGRAVE . Her work addresses critical questions about optical/UV contaminants in gravitational wave counterpart searches and the cosmological utility of GRB correlations. Dr Oates supervises PhD students including Samuel Shilling in Observational Astrophysics. She contributes to the Astrophysics research group at Lancaster University, delivering specialized lectures and supervising projects on multi-messenger astrophysics. Recent publications demonstrate her expertise in gravitational wave follow-up campaigns, supernova classification, and nuclear transient phenomena. Her research group engages in multiwavelength observations from gamma-ray to radio wavelengths, utilizing facilities for real-time transient detection and characterization. Current projects involve analyzing data from gravitational wave events and developing methods to distinguish true counterparts from serendipitous transients.

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Thanasis PanorgiasView profile

Associate Professor

New England College of OptometryUnited States

Dr. Thanasis Panorgias is an Associate Professor of Vision Sciences and Director of Graduate Studies at the New England College of Optometry (NECO). He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Manchester (UK) and an MSc in Optics and Vision from the University of Crete (Greece). His research focuses on retinal electrophysiology, color vision, myopia progression, and age-related visual changes. Dr. Panorgias’ lab pioneered a system to enhance the spatial specificity of the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), addressing challenges posed by involuntary eye movements. This innovation improves diagnostic accuracy for retinal disorders. Collaborators include prominent researchers like Prof. Vera-Diaz and Prof. Bex. Current master’s students include Alison Taylor (2024), Raviv Katz (2025), Srini Srirangam (2025), and Simon Wong (2025). Key research themes include: Electrophysiological analysis of retinal function Optical blur modeling using novel ERG stimuli Age-related changes in retinal signaling Blue light’s role in photophobia mechanisms Recent publications span topics like caffeine’s effects on mfERG responses, predictive metrics for myopia progression, and retinal aging dynamics. His work integrates clinical optometry with advanced imaging technologies like adaptive optics.

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Sandro TacchellaView profile

Assistant Professor

University of CambridgeUnited Kingdom

Dr. Sandro Tacchella is an Assistant Professor in Extragalactic Astrophysics at the Cavendish Laboratory (Department of Physics) and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge. He also serves as a Fellow of St Edmund's College. Previously, he held positions at UNIST (Korea) and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (USA). His research focuses on galaxy formation, black hole co-evolution, and observational cosmology using advanced telescopes like JWST and analytical models such as THESAN-ZOOM. Education: Ph.D. in Physics, ETH Zurich (2012–2017) M.Sc. in Physics, ETH Zurich (2010–2012) B.Sc. in Physics, ETH Zurich (2007–2010) Research Interests: Dr. Tacchella explores the interplay between baryons, dark matter, and black holes in galaxies. His work includes studying galaxy formation at cosmic dawn, the evolution of star-forming galaxies, and the role of AGN feedback. He employs machine learning and high-resolution observations to analyze distant galaxies' properties. Key Projects: Co-leads the Galaxy Formation and Evolution Group at the Kavli Institute for Cosmology. Leads the THESAN-ZOOM project, simulating high-redshift galaxies' star formation and quenching mechanisms. Contributes to the JADES survey, analyzing obscured AGN populations and galaxy assembly histories. Contact: Email st578@cam.ac.uk , located at the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HA.

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Catherine LovekinView profile

Professor

Mount Allison UniversityCanada

Catherine Lovekin is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Mount Allison University. Her research focuses on stellar astrophysics, particularly the dynamics of variable stars, pulsation mechanisms, and stellar evolution. She has contributed to projects such as the BRITE-Constellation satellite mission and TESS observations, analyzing data from space-based telescopes to study stars like δ Scuti, γ Doradus, and luminous blue variables. Her work integrates computational modeling of stellar parameters, convection processes, and orbital dynamics in binary and multiple star systems. Key collaborations include the TESS mission and Gaia data analysis for orbital parameter studies. Lovekin's publications span over two decades, emphasizing high-mass stars, convective overshoot effects, and the behavior of magnetic chemically peculiar stars. Her research interests include the interplay between stellar rotation, magnetic fields, and pulsational variability, as well as the application of multiwavelength data to refine models of stellar structure. Notable contributions include analyzing BRITE-Constellation photometry of P Cygni and δ Ori A, and developing computational tools to study Kepler binary systems. Her work bridges observational astronomy with theoretical modeling, addressing challenges in 2D and 3D stellar dynamics. Lovekin has published extensively on topics such as the effects of metallicity on convective processes, orbital parameter constraints using Gaia data, and the properties of magnetic CP stars. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her prolific output highlights sustained contributions to stellar astrophysics through international collaborations.

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Konstanze ZwintzView profile

Professor

University of InnsbruckAustria

Konstanze Zwintz is a Full Professor at the Institute for Astro- and Particle Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Innsbruck. She leads the research group on Stellar Evolution and Asteroseismology and serves as Associate Dean of Studies. Her work is central to major space missions including BRITE-Constellation and PLATO. Her research focuses on asteroseismology , particularly of pre-main sequence stars , stellar pulsations , and the evolution of young stars . She uses space-based photometry to study δ Scuti and γ Doradus stars, early-type variables, and exoplanet host stars. Her work bridges observational data with theoretical models to calibrate stellar evolution. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in space photometry , stellar variability , and asteroseismic modeling . Her research spans from young stellar objects to massive binaries, utilizing data from BRITE, TESS, and PLATO. Subfields include pulsation analysis, disk evolution, exoplanet atmospheres, and magnetic stars. Scientific Leadership and Outreach: Associate Dean of Studies, University of Innsbruck Lead researcher in BRITE-Constellation and PLATO missions Organizer and chair of international workshops Extensive public outreach through lectures, media interviews, and popular science articles Konstanze Zwintz mentors junior researchers and students through collaborative projects. She has led efforts in creating the BRITE-Constellation Ground-Based Observing Team (GBOT) database. While specific grants are not listed, her sustained involvement in major international missions implies significant research funding. She has given numerous invited talks and public lectures across Europe. Labs and Teams: Stellar Evolution and Asteroseismology Research Group, University of Innsbruck BRITE-Constellation Science Team PLATO Mission Consortium GBOT (Ground-Based Observing Team) Database Lead

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Billy R. HammondView profile

Professor

University of GeorgiaUnited States

Billy R. Hammond is a Professor at the University of Georgia with primary appointments in the Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Neuroscience Programs, alongside adjunct roles in the Foods and Nutrition Department and Gerontology Program. His research is conducted from the Vision Sciences Laboratory in the Psychology Building (520). His research focuses on the human visual system from ocular structures to neural processing, with dietary carotenoids (lutein/zeaxanthin) as central themes. Key areas include: Macular pigment's role in preventing age-related eye diseases and dementia Sports vision optimization and visual performance metrics Infant visual system development and maturation Effects of light filtering (blue-light/UV) on visual function Recent publications (2018-2024) reveal consistent investigation into how optical interventions and macular carotenoids influence color perception, glare response, and cognitive-visual interactions across ages. This work bridges ophthalmology, optometry, and nutritional neuroscience through rigorous psychophysical methods. The Vision Sciences Laboratory maintains an interdisciplinary approach, integrating neuroscience, nutrition science, and vision research to address fundamental and applied questions about eye-brain connections throughout the lifespan.

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Kerstin WeisView profile

Associate Professor

Ruhr University BochumGermany

Priv-Doz. Dr. Kerstin Weis is a faculty member at the Astronomical Institute of Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. She holds historical significance as documented in a 2016 interview titled 'die erste Frau die sich bei den Astronomen habilitiert hat' (the first woman to habilitate among astronomers). Dr. Weis's research focuses on stellar astrophysics , particularly massive stars and their evolutionary pathways. Her work centers on Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) , examining their variabilities, instabilities, and the morphology and kinematics of surrounding nebulae. She also investigates circumstellar and interstellar bubbles as well as planetary nebulae , contributing to our understanding of late-stage stellar evolution and stellar-environment interactions. At Ruhr University Bochum, Dr. Weis maintains active teaching responsibilities, as evidenced by her 2022 lecture series on Variabilities and Instabilities in Stars , which comprehensively covered stellar structure, evolution of both low-mass and massive stars, supernovae, stellar pulsation, Cepheids, and luminous blue variables. Her professional activities extend to space research, with documented work on the ROSETTA mission at ESA, and she maintains connections with major space organizations including NASA, ESA, and DLR as reflected in her professional website.

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Shubham SrivastavView profile

Visiting Professor

Queen’s University BelfastUnited Kingdom

Dr. Shubham Srivastav is a Visiting Scholar in the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen's University Belfast, actively contributing to cutting-edge research in astrophysics. His work focuses on transient cosmic phenomena, with particular expertise in supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and kilonovae. He maintains strong international collaborations and has established himself as a productive researcher with 43 publications between 2020-2025. Dr. Srivastav's research interests center on Supernovae (100%) , Transient Astronomy (60%) , Stellar Explosions , and Spectroscopy . His work analyzes the physical mechanisms behind cosmic explosions, including double detonation models for Type Ia supernovae and the identification of optical counterparts for X-ray transients. He investigates phenomena spanning white dwarf systems, ejecta dynamics, and luminosity variations across different explosion scenarios. His recent publication trend shows significant growth, with 15 papers in 2024 and 6 already in 2025. These works appear in top astrophysics journals including Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Dr. Srivastav frequently collaborates on large international projects, often as part of teams with 20+ researchers, indicating strong integration into global astronomy networks. Primary affiliation: School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast Key collaborations: Pan-STARRS survey team, international gamma-ray burst consortia Research methodology: Multi-wavelength observations, spectral analysis, transient detection Dr. Srivastav's research program demonstrates strong momentum with increasing publication output each year. His work addresses fundamental questions in stellar evolution and explosive phenomena, contributing to our understanding of cosmic events that shape galaxies and disperse elements throughout the universe.

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Colin J. BurkeView profile

Research Fellow

Yale UniversityUnited States

Colin J. Burke is an observational astronomer and NSF Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University's Department of Astronomy. He completed his PhD at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2023 and holds a B.S. in Physics from Purdue University (2018). Dr. Burke's research focuses on: Supermassive black hole formation and evolution Intermediate-mass black holes AGN accretion physics Optical variability of active galactic nuclei Machine learning applications in astronomical data analysis His recent work has established a mass-timescale relation for AGN variability, enabling black hole mass estimation through optical monitoring. This research published in Science (2021) demonstrates how 'flickering' patterns in AGN light provide insights into black hole accretion processes across the entire mass spectrum from stellar to supermassive black holes. Dr. Burke's scientific achievements include: NSF Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship Simonyi-NSF Scholar designation Illinois Graduate Survey Science Fellowship As part of his broader impacts, Dr. Burke leads an outreach program exposing local high school students to data science in astronomy. He previously coordinated distribution of 10,000 solar eclipse glasses during the 2017 Great American Solar Eclipse through collaboration with eclipse2017.org and Purdue Astronomy Club.

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