Paul Ricker

Paul Ricker is a Professor of Astronomy at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) and the Department of Physics. His research focuses on computational astrophysics, leveraging large-scale numerical simulations to study galaxy evolution, clusters of galaxies, binary stars, supernovae, and computational methodologies like parallel algorithm development and cyberinfrastructure. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Chicago, following degrees from Pennsylvania State University.

He teaches courses including ASTR 100, 210, 310, and advanced graduate-level classes. His work bridges astrophysics and computer science, with contributions to simulation software like Flash-X. Research highlights include modeling common envelope evolution in binary systems and exploring the interplay between active galactic nuclei and galaxy clusters.

His affiliations include the Cosmological Simulation Group and collaborations with the LIGO-Virgo gravitational wave observatories. Teaching and mentoring are integral to his role, though no specific advisees are listed in available texts.