Dong Lai

Dong Lai is the Benson Jay Simon '59 MBA '62 and Mary Ellen Simon MA '63 Professor and Professor of Astrophysics at Cornell University, currently on leave for Academic Year 2025-26. He also holds the T.-D. Lee Chair Professor position at Tsung-Dao Lee Institute in Shanghai. His primary affiliation is with the Astronomy Department within the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell.

• Undergraduate: University of Science and Technology of China
• Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics: Cornell University, 1994

Professor Lai's research focuses on theoretical astrophysics with three main pillars: (1) Compact Objects including neutron stars, black holes, white dwarfs, and gravitational waves; (2) Astrophysics of Exoplanets covering dynamics, formation, and protoplanetary disks; and (3) Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics involving disks, waves, instabilities, tides, and celestial mechanics. His approach combines analytical theory with numerical investigations to address fundamental questions in these areas, often focusing on binary and multiple systems where complex dynamical interactions occur.

Analysis of Professor Lai's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on dynamical interactions in multi-body systems, particularly examining spin-orbit dynamics, tidal evolution, and orbital architecture. His work frequently addresses the formation mechanisms of misaligned planetary systems and compact object mergers, with significant contributions to understanding the Lidov-Kozai mechanism and its applications across different astrophysical contexts. The research spans from solar system scales to extragalactic phenomena, demonstrating remarkable breadth within theoretical astrophysics.

• Benson Jay Simon '59 MBA '62 and Mary Ellen Simon MA '63 Professorship (endowed chair)
• Initial graduate, professional teaching prize (with Mish)

Professor Lai maintains an active research group as evidenced by his regularly updated group meeting papers list, which covers cutting-edge topics in theoretical astrophysics. His students and postdocs have contributed significantly to publications in leading journals. His research has likely been supported by competitive grants from NSF Astronomy and NASA research programs, given the alignment with current priorities in gravitational wave astronomy and exoplanet science.

Professor Lai is affiliated with the Carl Sagan Institute and CCAPS at Cornell, indicating involvement in interdisciplinary research related to planetary science, astrobiology, and comparative planetology. His group meetings cover diverse topics from compact object mergers to exoplanet dynamics, reflecting the breadth of his research interests and collaborative network.