Avi Loeb , the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, is a leading astrophysicist and former Chair of Harvard's Department of Astronomy (2011-2020). He directs the Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) and the Galileo Project (2021-present), while holding the Sackler Senior Professorship at Tel Aviv University. His research spans cosmology, black holes, interstellar objects, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Education: PhD in Physics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1986) Former Positions: Member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (1988-1993) Loeb's research interests include: Gravitational wave detection and interstellar object analysis Simulation hypothesis and cosmic reality Technological signatures beyond the Standard Model His recent publications focus on 3I/ATLAS , gravitational SETI, and AI alignment in space exploration. Awards include being named among TIME's 25 Most Influential People in Space (2012), 14 Most Inspiring Israelis (2020), and ranking #3 in global astronomical impact (2024). He chairs the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative and advises the National Academies' Board on Physics and Astronomy.
William H. Matthaeus is the Martin A. Pomerantz Chair of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Delaware, where he has been a faculty member since 1983. He is affiliated with the Bartol Research Institute, housed in the H. Rodney Sharp Laboratory on the University of Delaware campus. His work focuses on space physics, plasma physics, turbulence theory, and computational physics. Dr. Matthaeus received his B.A. degree in physics and philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973, followed by a Ph.D. from William and Mary in 1979. His academic journey included a National Academy of Sciences Research Associate position from 1980-1982 before joining the University of Delaware. Matthaeus's research spans solar wind physics, space plasmas, kinetic microinstabilities, and space mission development. His work involves theoretical, computational, and observational approaches to understanding plasma turbulence and magnetic reconnection in space environments. He has made significant contributions to understanding energy transfer in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, solar wind dynamics, and particle acceleration mechanisms. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on multiscale plasma phenomena, with particular attention to turbulence in the solar wind, magnetosheath, and near-Sun environments. The research utilizes data from multiple spacecraft missions including Parker Solar Probe, MMS, and HelioSwarm, combined with sophisticated numerical simulations. James Clerk Maxwell Prize in Plasma Physics (2019) from the American Physical Society James B. Macelwane Award from the American Physical Society University of Delaware College of Arts & Sciences Scholarship Award Fellow of the American Physical Society Fellow of the American Geophysical Union Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of The Institute of Physics Dr. Matthaeus serves as director of the Delaware NASA Space Grant Consortium and the Delaware NASA EPSCoR program. He is a co-investigator on several major spacecraft missions including Cluster/PEACE, the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, the Parker Solar Probe ISOIS instruments, the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, PUNCH and Helioswarm. For over a decade, he has organized the Arcetri Workshop on Plasma Astrophysics in Florence, Italy, fostering international collaboration in the field. His research group at the Bartol Research Institute maintains active collaborations with scientists worldwide and contributes to advancing our understanding of fundamental plasma processes that govern space weather and astrophysical phenomena.
Britney Schmidt is Associate Professor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Astronomy at Cornell University, where she leads the Planetary Habitability and Technology Lab. She develops robotic tools like the Icefin underwater vehicle to study Earth's ice shelves and glaciers, providing insights into climate change and analogs for ocean worlds like Europa. Her research bridges glaciology, planetary science, and astrobiology. Research focuses on ocean world habitability, ice-ocean interactions, and Antarctic climate systems. Fieldwork includes extensive campaigns in Antarctica and the Arctic using robotic explorers. Recent publications explore Europa's habitability, Thwaites Glacier dynamics, microbial communities in hypersaline environments, and planetary analog studies. Technical developments include novel instrumentation for under-ice exploration. Awarded the 2024 Blavatnik National Award for groundbreaking research. Leads multiple international collaborations including NASA's Europa Clipper mission and Thwaites Glacier projects.
Marilyn J Smith is the David S. Lewis Professor and Director of the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence (VLRCOE) at the Georgia Institute of Technology's Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. She leads a seven-university consortium conducting vertical lift research for the U.S. Army, Navy, and NASA, and has secured over $200 million in collaborative research funding. Computational Nonlinear Computational Aeroelasticity Lab Director NASA FUN3D development team contributor Aerospace Systems Design Lab (ASDL) affiliate Her research spans unsteady aerodynamics, computational aeroelasticity, and sustainable energy applications across rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and launch vehicles. She serves on the Vertical Lift Consortium (VLC) Board of Directors and Vertical Flight Society (VFS) Board, while acting as VFS Deputy Technical Director for Aeromechanics and leading international NATO AVT panels on UAV aerodynamics. Recent publications focus on galaxy cluster cosmology, ship-helicopter dynamic interface modeling, and Type Ia supernova analysis. She has won prestigious awards including the AIAA Aerodynamics Award and multiple American Helicopter Society honors for research, mentoring, and service. 2022 AIAA Aerodynamics Award 2015 Best Paper Awards at AHS Forum 2014 & 2012 AHS Agusta-Westland International Fellowships Her laboratory work integrates high-performance computing with aerospace design and develops advanced turbulence models through partnerships with Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). She contributes to public science communication with appearances on National Geographic, PBS, NPR, and local media.
Tamás Budavári is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), with joint appointments in Physics and Astronomy and a secondary appointment in Computer Science. He is affiliated with the Whiting School of Engineering and the Institute for Data-Intensive Engineering and Science (IDIES). His research focuses on computational and statistical methods for big data in astronomy and interdisciplinary applications such as urban blight analysis. Education: PhD in Astrophysics (2001), Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest Master’s in Theoretical Physics (1997), Eötvös Loránd University Research Interests: Budavári develops algorithms for handling large astronomical datasets, including Bayesian inference, streaming algorithms, and GPU-accelerated processing. His work includes SkyQuery (an online astronomy data tool), photometric redshift estimation, and cross-matching catalogs. He also applies computational methods to urban planning, such as optimizing strategies to address vacant housing in Baltimore City. Publications & Tools: Budavári’s recent work spans topics like deep learning for astronomical image restoration, combinatorial optimization for urban policy, and probabilistic catalog matching. His tools, such as CUDAHM and NWAY, enable scalable analysis of multi-epoch survey data and N-way catalog cross-identification. Awards & Grants: Recipient of the Gordon and Betty Moore Fellowship and SAMSI Research Fellowship Funded by NSF, STScI, NIH, and others Leadership & Outreach: He serves on the Steering Committee of the 21st Centuries Cities Initiative and is a founding editor of the Journal of Astronomy and Computing. His interdisciplinary work bridges astrophysics, data science, and urban systems.
Dennis W. Duke is a Professor of Physics at Florida State University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physics within the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Computational Science. He has been a faculty member at FSU since 1979, progressing from Visiting Assistant Professor to his current position as full Professor since 1992. Duke has also held significant leadership roles including Director of the Supercomputer Computations Research Institute (1993-1998) and Director of the San Diego Supercomputer Center (1996-1997). Duke's research spans multiple disciplines with primary focuses on the history of ancient astronomy, computational physics, and high-performance computing. His work in ancient astronomy includes detailed studies of Greek, Babylonian, and Indian astronomical traditions, with particular emphasis on planetary models, trigonometry development, and historical measurement techniques. In computational science, he has made contributions to nonlinear dynamics, chaos theory, and statistical process control. Duke is particularly known for creating educational computer animations of ancient planetary models that have become valuable teaching tools. Analysis of Duke's 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on historical astronomy, with approximately 75% of his work dedicated to analyzing ancient astronomical systems from Greek, Babylonian, and Indian traditions. The remaining publications address statistical methods and computational techniques. His historical research often combines mathematical analysis with historical scholarship to reconstruct and understand ancient astronomical practices. COFRS Award, The Florida State University (1985) COFRS Award, The Florida State University (1986) Developing Scholar Award, The Florida State University (1986) President's Continuing Education Award, The Florida State University (1992) Duke has been extensively involved in professional service, serving on numerous national committees related to supercomputing and organizing major conferences including multiple Supercomputing 'XY events from 1988 through 2006. His teaching extends beyond traditional academic boundaries through public outreach initiatives such as chairing the Board of Directors for Tallahassee Free-Net, Inc. and serving on the Leon County Schools Information Services Advisory Board. He has supervised numerous graduate students in computational physics and the history of science, though specific student names are not documented in the provided materials. Duke maintains an active research laboratory focused on computational ancient astronomy, where he develops mathematical models and computer animations to visualize historical astronomical concepts. His team has created an extensive collection of interactive animations demonstrating planetary models from Ptolemy through Copernicus, which are widely used in educational settings. Current projects include further analysis of ancient star catalogs and the development of more sophisticated visualization tools for historical astronomical concepts.
Paul Withers is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Astronomy at Boston University. He leads research on planetary atmospheres and ionospheres, with a focus on Mars and Venus, and serves as Principal Investigator on multiple NASA-funded research projects. Education: B.A. in Physics, 1998, Queens' College, Cambridge University M.S. in Physics, 1998, Queens' College, Cambridge University M.A., 2001, Queens' College, Cambridge University Ph.D. in Planetary Science, 2003, University of Arizona Professor Withers' research focuses on the upper atmospheres and ionospheres of terrestrial planets, particularly Mars and Venus. His work involves analyzing spacecraft data and developing theoretical models to understand how solar flux, neutral atmospheres, magnetic fields, and ionospheres interact under unique planetary conditions. He has made significant contributions to understanding the response of the Martian ionosphere to solar flares, the structure of the Venus ionosphere, and meteoric plasma layers in planetary ionospheres. His research often involves multi-instrument campaigns and coordinated observations across different spacecraft missions including Mars Express, MAVEN, and Venus Express. Analysis of Professor Withers' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on Martian ionospheric dynamics, particularly its response to solar activity and its variability under different conditions. His work frequently combines data from multiple missions to create comprehensive models of planetary upper atmospheres. He has developed important methods for analyzing radio occultation data and reconstructing atmospheric properties from entry, descent, and landing measurements. Major Funded Projects: "Characterizing the topside bulge in the ionosphere of Mars" (NASA Mars Data Analysis Program, 2014, $144K) "Integration of MAVEN neutral and plasma observations" (NASA MAVEN Participating Scientist Program, 2013, $284K) "Radio occultation studies at Mars" (NASA Early Career Fellowship Program, 2013, $99K) "EDL reconstruction for MSL" (NASA, JPL contract, 2012, $199K) "Meteoric plasma layers on Venus and Mars" (NASA Planetary Atmospheres Program, 2012, $232K) Professor Withers has been actively involved in mentoring students and collaborating with international researchers. He serves as a key member of the Mars Upper Atmosphere Network (MUAN) and has contributed to community white papers for planetary science decadal surveys. His work supports future Mars landers through atmospheric modeling and surface pressure prediction, with direct applications to mission planning and execution. He has presented his research at numerous international conferences including the American Geophysical Union meetings, Division for Planetary Sciences meetings, and European Planetary Science Congress. His work has important implications for understanding planetary climate evolution, space weather effects on technological systems, and the search for habitable environments beyond Earth.
A.T. Charlie Johnson serves as the Rebecca W. Bushnell Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences, where he has been a standing faculty member since 1994. His research program focuses on nanoscale systems and has established him as a leading figure in condensed matter physics, earning recognition from major scientific societies. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University (1990) B.S. in Physics from Stanford University (1984) Professor Johnson's research centers on the development and application of atomic-layer nanomaterials, particularly graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides , for fundamental studies of transport phenomena and practical biosensor applications. His group employs advanced nanofabrication techniques at Penn's Singh Center for Nanotechnology to create devices that leverage biological molecules for chemical recognition in disease diagnosis, security screening, and environmental monitoring. This work bridges condensed matter physics with biomedical engineering , yielding innovative solutions for real-world detection challenges. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) scalable graphene-based biosensor development for medical diagnostics, (2) exploration of quantum phenomena like Klein tunneling in novel nanoelectromechanical systems, and (3) interdisciplinary applications spanning oncology, planetary science, and fetal medicine. His work consistently emphasizes materials synthesis , device integration , and practical translation of nanoscale phenomena. His scientific contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors: Defense Science Study Group Fellow (2018-2019) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2017) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011) Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching (2003) David and Lucille Packard Foundation Fellowship (1994-1999) As an educator, Professor Johnson has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with notable alumni like Michael Biercuk (founder of Q-CTRL). His research has been supported through significant leadership roles including Director of the Nano/Bio Interface Center (2014-2017) and Packard Fellowship funding, enabling sustained innovation in nanotechnology. His group actively collaborates across disciplines to advance both fundamental understanding and practical applications of nanomaterials. Based at the Singh Center for Nanotechnology, Johnson leads a dynamic research team utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for nanofabrication and characterization. His laboratory maintains strong campus collaborations through secondary appointments in Electrical and Systems Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, fostering an interdisciplinary environment for developing next-generation nanoscale devices.
Imre Bartos is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Florida, specializing in multi-messenger astrophysics that combines gravitational waves, neutrinos, and electromagnetic signals. His research investigates extreme cosmic explosions involving black holes and neutron stars, with emphasis on merger environments in active galactic nuclei. Groundbreaking work includes demonstrating how nearby neutron star mergers influenced Solar System composition, identifying AGN disks as factories for eccentric black hole mergers, and developing techniques to probe black hole origins through gravitational wave localization. His group participates in major collaborations including LIGO, LISA, and IceCube observatories. Professor Bartos received the Sloan Fellowship and shares Breakthrough Prize honors for contributions to gravitational wave astronomy. He leads observational programs using Chandra, VLA, and Fermi telescopes while mentoring students in computational astrophysics techniques.
Dennis Duke is a Professor of Physics at the Florida State University (FSU), affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Scientific Computing. His academic career spans over four decades, with roles including Director of the Supercomputer Computations Research Institute (SCRI) and leadership in numerous national and international computing initiatives. He holds a B.S. from Vanderbilt University (1970) and a D.Phil. from Iowa State University (1974). His research focuses on High Performance Computing, Computational Ancient Astronomy, and Nonlinear Dynamics. Notable contributions include reconstructing ancient astronomical models (e.g., Ptolemaic planetary systems) and analyzing historical star catalogs. He has authored over 150 publications, including seminal work on Babylonian-Greek mathematical transmission and Indian astronomical traditions. Awards include multiple COFRS Awards (1985, 1986) and the President's Continuing Education Award (1992). Duke has organized major supercomputing conferences (e.g., SC98) and served on committees for DOE supercomputing initiatives. His work bridges computational science with historical scholarship, exemplified by animations of ancient planetary models and statistical analyses of precession effects. Professional affiliations include the American Physical Society and Sigma Xi.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States
Matt Nowinski is a Collegiate Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. His professional roles include advisory board memberships and leadership positions within the department. He holds multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zurich (1999), an M.S. in Computer Science from Syracuse University (2022), and prior mechanical/aerospace engineering degrees from Virginia Tech. His research focuses on asteroid dynamics (particularly D-type and V-type asteroids), gas turbine engines, aeroelasticity, and education technology. Notable areas include lightcurve analysis, surface mineralogy modeling, and machine learning applications in astronomy. His work bridges aerospace engineering with astrophysics, leveraging both experimental and computational methods. Dr. Nowinski has over 24 years of industry experience as a Boeing subject matter expert in military communications systems, complemented by academic roles at George Mason University and University of Chicago. He is a recipient of the John Jones Faculty Fellowship and Society of Distinguished Alumni honor. His research contributions span asteroid characterization, turbine blade flutter mechanisms, and telescope instrumentation. Current work emphasizes observational astronomy through the Stone Edge Observatory and Slack-based collaborative platforms. He actively contributes to advancing STEM education through innovative curricula and research integration.
Jason H. Hafner is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy and of Chemistry at Rice University, affiliated with the Rice Space Institute. His research bridges fundamental physics with biological applications through nanoscale phenomena, focusing on light-matter interactions at molecular interfaces. Education: 1993: BS in Physics, Trinity University 1996: MA in Physics, Rice University 1998: PhD in Physics, Rice University (advisor: Richard Smalley) Hafner's work centers on nanophotonics and interfacial biophysics , utilizing Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) as a primary tool. His lab pioneers structural analysis of lipid membranes, gold nanoparticle surface chemistry, and vibrational spectroscopy of bioactive compounds including anthraquinones in lichens and flavonoids. Current projects integrate computational modeling with experimental SERS to decode cholesterol structure and analyze environmental particulates from aerospace events. Publications since 2015 reveal a trajectory from foundational nanomaterial studies toward complex biological systems, increasingly combining DFT simulations with experimental Raman data. His work spans astrobiology-relevant molecules to spacecraft-related environmental analysis, demonstrating consistent methodological innovation in vibrational spectroscopy. Major recognitions include: Beckman Young Investigator Award (2002) Norman Hackerman Award for Chemical Research from Welch Foundation (2011) Hafner has mentored multiple PhD students including Aobo (gold nanoparticle surface chemistry) and Mathieu (lipid membrane structure via SERS), while teaching undergraduate physics for nearly a decade. His editorial role at ACS Nano (2010-2017) reflects standing in the nanoscience community. The Hafner Lab maintains an agile, interdisciplinary approach—recently collaborating with planetary scientist Phil Metzger to analyze SpaceX launch debris using Raman spectroscopy, demonstrating real-world application of fundamental research techniques to emerging aerospace challenges.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Distinguished Professor David Jewitt is a prominent planetary scientist at UCLA's Department of Earth and Space Sciences within the College of Letters and Science. He has held this position since 2009 and also serves as a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy since 2010, and as Director of the Institute for Planets and Exoplanets since 2011. Dr. Jewitt earned his B.Sc. in Astronomy from the University of London (1979), followed by M.S. (1980) and Ph.D. (1983) in Planetary Science from Caltech. Prior to UCLA, he served on the faculty at MIT (1983-1988) and the University of Hawaii (1988-2009), where he became a full Professor in 1993. His research focuses on primitive bodies of the Solar System, particularly comets which he considers remnants from planetary accretion processes. His work aims to understand solar system formation and evolution through studying these objects. Recent publications explore non-gravitational forces in planetary systems, interstellar interlopers, and the asteroid-comet continuum, reflecting his continued leadership in solar system small body research. Shaw Prize (2012) Kavli Prize (2012) Member of the National Academy of Sciences (2005) Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, NASA (1996) Professor Jewitt has mentored numerous students including Jane Luu (co-discoverer of the Kuiper Belt) and Chadwick Trujillo. As Director of the Institute for Planets and Exoplanets, he fosters interdisciplinary research connecting planetary science with exoplanet studies. His work continues to shape our understanding of the solar system's formation through analysis of its smallest constituents.
Chuanfei Dong is an Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Boston University's College of Arts & Sciences and of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the College of Engineering. His research focuses on understanding plasma physics and its applications to space science, planetary atmospheres, and fusion energy. Dong joined BU in January 2023 after working as a staff scientist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Education: B.S. in Space Science from University of Science and Technology of China M.S. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Georgia Institute of Technology M.S.E. in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences from University of Michigan M.S. in Planetary and Space Sciences from University of Michigan Ph.D. in Scientific Computing from University of Michigan Research Interests: Dr. Dong's research spans multiple disciplines within space physics and plasma science. His primary interests include Star-Terrestrial Planet Interactions in our Solar System and beyond, magnetic reconnection and turbulence phenomena, wave-particle interactions in space plasmas, and applications of physics-informed machine learning to plasma problems. He also investigates high-intensity laser-plasma interactions with applications to fusion energy research. His work bridges the gap between theoretical plasma physics and observational space science, with particular focus on planetary atmospheres, solar wind interactions, and exoplanet habitability. Dong's interdisciplinary approach combines computational modeling, observational data analysis, and theoretical frameworks to address fundamental questions in space physics. Research Trends: Dong's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying advanced computational techniques to space plasma physics problems. His work spans solar system bodies including Earth, Mars, Mercury, and the Moon, with increasing attention to exoplanet systems. A notable trend is the integration of machine learning approaches with traditional plasma physics modeling, particularly for complex phenomena like Landau damping and magnetic reconnection. His research has significant implications for understanding atmospheric evolution, space weather, and potential habitability of planetary bodies. Scientific Awards: DOE Early Career Research Award (2023) - $875,000 grant for plasma turbulence research Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2024) Metcalf Travel Award Advising and Grants: Dr. Dong mentors undergraduate research assistants and plans to expand his research group with the support of his DOE Early Career Award, which will fund a graduate student and postdoctoral researcher. His research is supported by the Department of Energy and has connections to NASA missions including MAVEN (Mars) and BepiColombo (Mercury). Dong is also involved with the Mauve telescope project as BU institutional PI. His work has been featured in numerous media outlets including Phys.org, Science Daily, and German TV program zdf/3sat. Labs and Teams: Dr. Dong leads a research group focused on computational plasma physics at Boston University. He collaborates with researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and is involved with multiple NASA missions. His team develops advanced computational models to simulate space plasma phenomena, with particular expertise in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), particle-in-cell methods, and physics-informed machine learning approaches. Dong is also affiliated with BU's Hariri Institute for Computing.
Sheri Klug Boonstra is an Associate Research Professional at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Earth and Space Exploration. She leads the NASA-funded Lucy Student Pipeline and Competency Enabler (L’SPACE) Program and co-founded the ASU Space Works Program, both of which focus on STEM workforce development. Her work emphasizes creating equitable, authentic research experiences for students at scale, bridging educational institutions with NASA missions like the Lucy Asteroid Mission and Mars Sample Return. Education: M.S. in Earth Science Education (Boise State University, 1998); B.S. in Earth Science Education (Boise State University, 1994, Cum Laude and Distinguished Honors). She has held NASA fellowships and awards, including the NASA Space Grant Fellowship and recognition as Geoscience Student of the Year. Research Interests: Klug Boonstra specializes in STEM education innovation, workforce development, and public engagement in space exploration. Her programs address equity, mentorship, and skill-building for underrepresented students. She has secured over $54 million in grants for STEM initiatives, including NASA-funded projects like the Mars Student Imaging Project and the L’SPACE Program. Awards: Recipient of the AGU’s Excellence in Earth and Space Science Education (2020), the International Astronautical Federation’s Excellence in 3G Diversity Award (2023), and the honor of having Asteroid 8631 named SHERIKBOONSTRA in her honor (2021). Courses Taught: She instructs courses such as SES 307/407 (Space Works I/II) and Special Topics in STEM Education, focusing on design, fabrication, and testing of space-related projects. These courses emphasize hands-on learning and collaboration with industry partners. Grants & Leadership: Klug Boonstra has served on key boards, including the AAAS Science in the Classroom Advisory Council and NASA’s Solar System Exploration Subcommittee. Her work spans K-12 through undergraduate education, prioritizing real-world, mission-driven experiences to prepare students for STEM careers.
