Michael W Coughlin

Michael W Coughlin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, within the College of Science and Engineering. His research is centered on gravitational wave physics, multi-messenger astrophysics, and transient phenomena, with significant contributions to the detection and analysis of neutron star mergers, supernovae, and kilonovae.

His research interests include:

• Gravitational Wave Physics and Detection
• Multi-messenger Astrophysics
• Transient Astronomy (Supernovae, Kilonovae, Gamma-ray Bursts)
• Machine Learning Applications in Astronomy
• Real-time Detection Systems
• Data-driven Modeling of Astrophysical Events

Recent publications highlight a strong focus on integrating machine learning for real-time gravitational wave detection, modeling kilonova uncertainties, classifying supernovae, and enabling follow-up observations through mobile toolkits. His work emphasizes open, collaborative infrastructure and leverages data from observatories such as LIGO, Fermi GBM, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Notable scientific projects led by Dr. Coughlin include:

• Scheduling the Unexpected: A Multi-Messenger, Multi-Mission Observation Planning Toolkit
• Delivering Open, Accessible and Collaborative Infrastructure Enabling Multi-Messenger Astrophysics
• The Low-Latency Gravitational-Wave Alert System Enabling Fermi GBM Follow-Up
• Collaborative Research with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and InterPlanetary Network
• Mobile Toolkits for Transient Follow-up by Amateur Astronomers

He serves as Principal Investigator on multiple grants funded by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the National Science Foundation, demonstrating leadership in securing competitive research funding. His work fosters collaboration across institutions, including Caltech and international networks. He has contributed to open datasets such as the NMMA Kilonova Lightcurve Grids on Zenodo, promoting reproducibility and open science.

Dr. Coughlin is actively involved in building infrastructure for transient follow-up and multi-messenger astronomy, with a vision toward real-time, coordinated observations across ground and space-based platforms.