معرفی
Keivan G. Stassun is the Stevenson Endowed Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Vanderbilt University with joint appointments in the School of Engineering and the Owen Graduate School of Management. He is a distinguished astrophysicist and educator who has made significant contributions to both stellar astrophysics research and initiatives to expand opportunities in STEM education.
Education:
- AB from University of California, Berkeley (1994)
- PhD from University of Wisconsin, Madison (2000)
Stassun's research spans two major domains. In astrophysics, he focuses on star evolution and exoplanet discovery, with notable work on measuring surface gravity of distant stars and identifying signatures of 'Earth-eating' stars. His educational research centers on expanding opportunities for underrepresented populations in STEM, particularly through innovative programs addressing diversity and neuroinclusion.
Stassun has received numerous prestigious awards including the 2024 MacArthur Fellowship ('Genius Grant'), the 2024 National Medal of Science, membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2023), and recognition as a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
As an advisor and program director, Stassun has mentored numerous students through the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master's-to-PhD Bridge Program, which he co-founded and which has become the leading source of underrepresented minority students obtaining doctoral degrees in physics, astronomy, and materials science. He has secured over $15 million in research funding for his projects.
Stassun directs the Vanderbilt Initiative in Data-Intensive Astrophysics (VIDA) and founded the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation in 2018. The Frist Center takes a multipronged approach to helping neurodiverse individuals find and maintain meaningful employment through training, technology development, and corporate partnerships.
