Protostellar Evolution Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Dirk FroebrichView profile

Professor

University of KentUnited Kingdom

Dr. Dirk Froebrich is a Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Kent, serving as Director of the Beacon Observatory. He holds a PhD from Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, and has extensive experience in academic research, including a postdoctoral position at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. Since 2009, he has been affiliated with the University of Kent, advancing to Reader in 2023. His research focuses on young protostars, molecular cloud dynamics, and star cluster formation. He has contributed to major surveys like VVVX and UWISH2, exploring galactic structures and variable stars. Dr. Froebrich teaches astrophysics modules, including atomic physics, cosmology, and exoplanetary studies. His work has led to over 100 peer-reviewed publications and collaborations with international teams. Key projects include analyzing protostellar jets, stellar variability in clusters, and the properties of young stellar objects using small telescope networks. He actively supervises PhD students, mentoring research on topics like stellar spots and circumstellar disks. The Beacon Observatory under his leadership supports observational studies of variable stars and astrophysical phenomena.

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Michael SmithView profile

Professor

University of KentUnited Kingdom

Professor Michael Smith is a Professor of Astronomy at the University of Kent, affiliated with the School of Physics and Astronomy. He has held academic positions globally, including roles at institutions in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Italy, and Germany. His research focuses on star and planet formation, turbulence dynamics, jet simulations, and molecular hydrogen behavior. Smith earned a first-class degree in Mathematics from Imperial College (1976) and a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Oxford (1979). He has authored over 120 publications and the textbook The Origin of Stars (2004). Professional Roles: Director of the Centre for Astrophysics & Planetary Science (2005–2019), Director of Research at SEPnet (2011–present), and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Teaching: Leads modules on Multiwavelength Astronomy and lectures on exoplanets, galaxies, and general relativity. His research interests span wide-field surveys (e.g., Cygnus, Orion), shock waves in molecular media, and the interplay between turbulence and star formation. He pioneered studies on protostellar jets using Spitzer and Herschel data, contributing to models of massive star evolution. Publications highlight work on galactic jets, radio galaxy morphology, and protoplanetary nebulae, reflecting his expertise in both observational and computational astrophysics. Smith’s contributions to academia include leading the UKIRT Widefield Infrared Survey for H2 and co-developing the ALCOHOLS survey of Orion molecular clouds. His research group explores topics like molecular hydrogen excitation and jet dynamics in extreme environments.

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Aigen LiView profile

Professor

University of Missouri , ColumbiaUnited States

Aigen Li is a Curators' Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri , affiliated with the Department of Physics . His research spans Astrophysics and General Relativity , focusing on the theoretical analysis of interstellar phenomena and planetary system formation. Education: PhD in Astrophysics from Leiden University Research interests include: Theoretical studies of the interstellar medium , emphasizing interstellar dust and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems , including protoplanetary dust disks and debris disks Analysis of comets , infrared galaxies , and active galactic nuclei Recent publications highlight his work on: Chemical evolution of interstellar comets PAH isotopic analysis Infrared spectral modeling of cosmic dust

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Terrence TriccoView profile

Assistant Professor

Memorial University of NewfoundlandCanada

Terrence Tricco is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, cross-appointed with the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography. He chairs the Master's of Data Science program and leads the Simulation, Modeling and Synthetic Data Lab. His research focuses on synthetic data generation using deep learning, astrophysical smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), and high-performance computing. Tricco is a development lead for the Phantom SPH code and creator of the Sarracen Python analysis package. He is Principal Investigator of the Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research (CAIR), managing a high-performance computing cluster. Collaborations include Verafin (financial synthetic data) and VBHC-NL (healthcare analytics). Key research areas include multi-physics SPH algorithms, parallel computing optimization, and numerical analysis of SPH convergence. Tricco's work bridges computational science with applications in astrophysics, healthcare, and finance. Notable software contributions include Phantom (astrophysical SPH simulations), Sarracen (SPH visualization), and Framalytics (FRAM modeling integration). His lab emphasizes synthetic data generation for sensitive domains like healthcare and finance. Recent work explores generative AI for data synthesis and improving SPH method scalability on modern architectures.

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Peter HoeflichView profile

Associate Professor

Florida State UniversityUnited States

Peter Hoeflich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Florida State University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. His academic career spans over three decades, including research roles at the Max-Plank-Institute for Astrophysics and visiting scientist positions at Harvard. He specializes in astrophysics, particularly focusing on supernova explosions, dark energy studies, and cosmic dust formation. His research integrates advanced simulations with observational data from ground-based telescopes (e.g., VLT, Gemini) and space missions like JWST and HST. Hoeflich’s educational background includes a Dr.rer.nat. (1986) from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, where he studied protostellar spectral formation. His work has expanded into nuclear astrophysics and radiation-hydrodynamical modeling, addressing core-collapse and thermonuclear supernovae mechanisms. Notably, he pioneered observational programs to bridge explosion models with empirical data. Research interests emphasize supernova progenitors, explosion asymmetries, and dust formation processes. Recent studies leverage JWST to explore dust precursors in events like SN 2024ahv. He collaborates internationally on projects such as the Carnegie Supernova Project, advancing distance calibration methods for cosmological studies. Hoeflich’s grants and advising contributions are central to his role, though specific grant details aren’t provided. His lab focuses on computational astrophysics and observational campaigns, contributing to debates on dark matter/dark energy and supernova diversity.

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Cara BattersbyView profile

Associate Professor

University of ConnecticutUnited States

Dr. Cara Battersby is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Connecticut, where she leads the Milky Way Laboratory. Her research focuses on star formation in extreme environments, particularly the Galactic Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), using multi-wavelength observational surveys and numerical simulations. She holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado Boulder and has held postdoctoral positions at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Research spans: 3D mapping of molecular clouds via X-ray tomography Dynamics of star cluster formation ALMA large-program surveys (ACES, ALMAGAL) Galactic-scale gas inflow mechanisms Her publications emphasize high-resolution studies of galactic structure, protostellar evolution, and computational techniques for big data in astrophysics. Recent work reveals trends in turbulence-regulated star formation and Galactic Center dynamics. Awards include: NSF CAREER Award (2022) NASA Group Achievement Award (2019) Hubble Space Telescope time allocations Multiple NSF/NASA grants totaling >$3M She mentors 4 postdocs and 40+ students in the Milky Way Lab, founded outreach programs (UConn STARs, BiteScis), and developed curricula for astrophysics courses with top student evaluations.

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Philip ArmitageView profile

Professor

Stony Brook UniversityUnited States

Philip Armitage is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University. His research focuses on astrophysical processes governing planet formation, protoplanetary disk dynamics, and accretion disk physics. Key areas include gravitational instability, streaming instability, turbulence effects on planetesimal formation, and the role of magnetic fields in disk evolution. He has contributed to understanding circumplanetary disk formation, tidal interactions in binary systems, and the interplay between disk turbulence and particle dynamics. His work spans theoretical and computational astrophysics, with a focus on simulating protoplanetary environments using advanced numerical techniques. Recent studies explore the rarity of circumplanetary disks at large orbital radii, thermodynamic criteria for disk stability, and the impact of radiation hydrodynamics on disk structure. He also investigates disk-planet interactions in binary star systems and the dynamics of tidal disruption events around black holes. Armitage's research integrates deep learning for analyzing particle clustering in turbulent disks and applies Bayesian methods to predict planetary system stability. His publications highlight the importance of turbulence suppression in collisional processes and the universality of initial planetesimal size distributions. Grants & Collaborations: His work is supported by grants focusing on computational astrophysics and observational data analysis. Collaborations span international teams working on ALMA observations of protoplanetary disks and simulations of extreme mass ratio binaries.

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James WadsleyView profile

Professor

McMaster UniversityCanada

Dr. James Wadsley is a Professor of Computational Astrophysics and SHARCNET Chair in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University. He holds cross-appointments at the Origins Institute and the School of Computational Sciences and Engineering. His work integrates deeply with Canadian high-performance computing infrastructure, including leadership roles in Compute Canada (Digital Research Alliance of Canada), SHARCNET, and the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA). His research focuses on multi-scale astrophysical simulations, particularly in: Galaxy Formation & Evolution: Cosmological simulations of galaxy assembly, star formation regulation, dark matter interactions, and environmental effects in clusters. Computational Methods: Development of advanced numerical tools like the GASOLINE SPH code, radiative transfer algorithms (TREVR, TREVR2), magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and novel conduction models. Planetary System Origins: Planetesimal formation via streaming instability, giant planet formation mechanisms, and protoplanetary disk dynamics. Interstellar Medium (ISM): Structure of molecular clouds, magnetic field coupling, superbubble feedback, and gas cycling in galaxies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on high-resolution simulations of feedback processes in dwarf galaxies, advancements in radiative transfer techniques, MHD implementations for star formation, and cosmological structure formation. Key trends include validating cold dark matter models, quantifying environmental quenching, and developing testable predictions for observatories like ALMA. Wadsley leads significant computational projects and collaborates internationally (e.g., VERTICO survey, AGORA collaboration). He directs research leveraging SHARCNET resources for large-scale simulations of galaxy evolution and ISM physics. No specific awards, students, or funded grants are detailed in the source text.

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Gary FullerView profile

Professor

The University of ManchesterUnited Kingdom

Professor Gary Fuller is a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Manchester, where he leads the Astronomy and Astrophysics Theory Group. His research spans observational astrophysics, including star formation, millimetre and submillimetre astronomy, molecular astrophysics, and astrochemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of California, Berkeley, and maintains memberships with the American Astronomical Society, International Astronomical Union, and Royal Astronomical Society. His research focuses on understanding the physics of star formation through advanced observational techniques. Key interests include the dynamics of molecular clouds, magnetic field structures in star-forming regions, and the chemical evolution of protostellar environments. Professor Fuller utilizes cutting-edge facilities like the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) and ALMA to probe high-mass star formation and interstellar medium properties. Recent publications emphasize magnetic field mapping via the BISTRO survey, accretion flow dynamics in cluster environments, and molecular cloud evolution. Articles frequently explore filamentary structures, dust polarization, and chemical tracers in regions like Orion, NGC 2264, and the Galactic Center, highlighting trends in high-resolution submillimeter observations. Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society Chartered Physicist (CPhys) Professor Fuller has supervised 30 graduate students and leads research initiatives within the Astronomy and Astrophysics group. His team collaborates internationally on projects like ALMAGAL and BISTRO, focusing on observational campaigns and instrumentation development.

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Fred AdamsView profile

Professor

University of Michigan-Ann ArborUnited States

Fred Adams is the Ta-You Wu Collegiate Professor of Physics and Director of the Leinweber Center for Theoretical Physics at the University of Michigan. His affiliations include the Department of Physics within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and he holds office space in the Homer A. Neal Lab. Adams specializes in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, focusing on star formation processes, planetary system dynamics, and cosmological phenomena like dark matter halos and cosmic fine-tuning. Education: Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley (1988), B.S. in Physics from Iowa State University (1983). Research interests span theoretical astrophysics with emphases on star formation mechanisms, planetary system evolution, and cosmological theories involving inflationary universes and dark matter dynamics. His work bridges astrophysical observations with mathematical modeling, as seen in studies of circumstellar disks and gravitational instabilities in stellar clusters. Notable contributions include analyses of the Sun’s birth environment, orbital dynamics in planetary systems, and long-term cosmic evolution scenarios. His research often integrates interdisciplinary methods from applied mathematics and computational physics. Labs/Teams: Directs the Leinweber Center for Theoretical Physics, fostering collaborations in cosmology and astrophysical theory.

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William J. ForrestView profile

Professor

University of RochesterUnited States

William J. Forrest is a Professor of Astronomy, specializing in infrared astronomy and detector technology. He holds a BS from Antioch College (1968) and a PhD from the University of California, San Diego (1974). His career includes research roles at UC San Diego (1974–75) and Cornell University (1975–81) before joining his current institution in 1981 as an Assistant Professor, advancing to Professor in 1999. His research focuses on infrared astronomy, including dust dynamics in interstellar environments, star formation processes, and brown dwarf investigations. He develops advanced infrared detector arrays for ground-based and space observatories, contributing to instruments like MIRAC-5 and SOFIA. His work spans exoplanet detection, protoplanetary disk studies, and silicate composition analysis in stars and nebulae. Recent publications highlight advancements in HgCdTe detector arrays for mid-IR astronomy, planetary defense applications, and studies of gases in young stellar systems. He has contributed to collaborative projects involving the Spitzer and SOFIA telescopes, advancing observational techniques for star formation and interstellar medium studies. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. His contributions include instrumental development and observational astronomy, with a focus on bridging detector technology with astrophysical discovery.

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Alice C. QuillenView profile

Professor

University of RochesterUnited States

Dr. Alice C. Quillen is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester, specializing in galactic dynamics, exoplanetary systems, and quantum information. Her research encompasses observational, numerical, and theoretical studies of celestial mechanics, including exoplanets, stars in galaxies, and circumstellar disks. She leads experiments in active biological materials, granular systems, and low-cost robotics. Quillen has received prestigious awards such as the 2017 Simons Fellowship and the 2025 Professor of the Year in Natural Sciences. She teaches advanced courses like Quantum Computing and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics. Research Interests: Galactic structure and dynamics, including spiral arms and bars Exoplanetary systems and planetary formation mechanisms Numerical simulations of collisional systems Quantum information and computational astrophysics Lab Activities: Investigates granular systems relevant to asteroid surfaces Develops robotics and biophysics experiments Awards: 2025: Professor of the Year in Natural Sciences 2017: Simons Fellow in Theoretical Physics 2010: Annual Award for Excellence in Teaching Teaching: PHY265: Quantum Computing and Quantum Information AST233: Astro-Dynamics PHY411: Classical Mechanics and Chaotic Dynamics

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Ian BonnellView profile

Professor

University of St AndrewsUnited Kingdom

Ian Bonnell is a Professor at the School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on star formation in galaxies and the impact of young stars on their environment. He develops self-consistent models spanning galactic dynamics to local star-forming events using numerical simulations. Research interests include: Star formation initiation mechanisms and efficiency Massive star formation and initial mass function determination Feedback effects on star formation and the interstellar medium Star formation in galactic centers and supermassive black hole growth His recent publications (2021-2025) predominantly explore numerical simulations of star formation processes, with special focus on feedback mechanisms, magnetic fields, and accretion processes in protostellar systems. The work combines SPH and grid-based simulations to address fundamental questions in astrophysics. Awards and honors: Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2008) He currently advises PhD students Katerina Klos and Cheryl Lau, and leads the ECOGAL research team funded by an ERC grant. His group collaborates internationally on star formation simulations.

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Claudia CyganowskiView profile

Associate Professor

University of St AndrewsUnited Kingdom

Dr. Claudia Cyganowski is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews, where she conducts cutting-edge research in high-mass star formation and young stellar objects. Her work primarily focuses on the earliest stages of massive star formation, utilizing advanced observational techniques with facilities like ALMA, the Very Large Array, and Effelsberg telescope. Her research interests span multiple areas of astrophysics including: High-mass star formation processes FU Orionis and EX Lupi type eruptive young stellar objects Protostellar binary systems Molecular line emissions in star-forming regions Interstellar magnetic fields Chemical abundance studies in protostellar environments Dr. Cyganowski's recent publications reveal a strong focus on observational studies of massive star-forming regions using millimeter and radio wavelengths. Her work often involves international collaborations and makes extensive use of data from major facilities like ALMA. She has published numerous papers in top-tier journals such as The Astrophysical Journal, Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, with several publications appearing in 2024-2025. Among her notable projects is the current STFC-funded project 'Mining the ALMA Archive for Massive Young Stellar Object Accretion Bursts' (2024-2027), where she serves as Principal Investigator. She has also been a Co-Investigator on multiple Astronomy at St Andrews projects spanning 2015-2022. Dr. Cyganowski has supervised PhD students, including David Taylor, and has created multiple datasets related to her observations of regions like G11.92 using various telescope configurations.

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Fabian HeitschView profile

Adjunct Professor

University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States

Fabian Heitsch is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He leads the Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab (AFDL@UNC), focusing on simulating how matter cycles through galaxies, including star formation from gas clouds and their explosive stellar endpoints. His work bridges theory and observation via supercomputer fluid dynamics simulations. He teaches interdisciplinary courses like 'Myths, Moons and Methods' with Professors Marc Lange (Philosophy) and James Rives (Classics), and plans a new course on science's societal role through SCiLL's curriculum. Education: PhD (Physics), Universität Heidelberg (2001): 'Turbulence and Fragmentation in Molecular Clouds' MS (Astronomy), Universität Bonn (1998) BS (Physics), Universität Bonn (1997) BA (Math & Computer Science), Universität Münster (1993) Research Interests: His research centers on astrophysical fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, and interstellar medium evolution. Key topics include high-velocity clouds' role in galactic star formation, magnetic field dynamics in shocks, and computational modeling of star formation processes. His lab explores projects ranging from star formation near black holes to molecular cloud chemistry and 3D HVC orientation using MCMC models. Recent Work Trends: His articles analyze fluid dynamics in galactic contexts, including simulations of starburst-driven winds, magnetized colliding flows, and the evolution of protostellar cores. Recent focuses include dust content in galactic winds and the impact of magnetic fields on interstellar gas dynamics. Labs/Teams: Directs the Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab, fostering undergraduate and graduate research in areas like black hole star formation, interstellar chemistry, and high-velocity cloud studies.

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