Matthew Graham

Matthew Graham is a Research Professor of Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Project Scientist for the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF). He holds a B.A. from the University of Oxford (Trinity College, 1993) and a Ph.D. from the University of Central Lancashire (1996). His research focuses on applying machine learning and advanced statistical methods to astrophysical problems, particularly in time-domain astronomy and large-scale surveys.

Key contributions include leadership in the ZTF, CRTS (Catalina Real-time Transient Survey), NOAO DataLab, and Virtual Observatory initiatives. Graham’s work emphasizes transient phenomena, active galactic nuclei (AGN), and variable stars, with a focus on uncovering insights through large-scale survey data analysis. He has pioneered methodologies for automated discovery and classification of astrophysical transients, including tidal disruption events, supernovae, and eclipsing binaries. His role in ZTF has enabled real-time monitoring of the sky, producing hundreds of thousands of public transient alerts nightly.

Teaching roles include co-instructing advanced courses like Astroinformatics (Astrophysics 119), emphasizing data science techniques in astronomy. Graham’s research also intersects with gravitational-wave follow-up studies and multi-messenger astronomy, leveraging ZTF’s rapid response capabilities. His projects, such as Cryoscope (a proposed Antarctic infrared telescope), aim to expand observational horizons in transient astronomy. Collaborations span institutions globally, reflecting his commitment to open science and collaborative data-driven discovery.