Ryan Fisher

Ryan Fisher is an Associate Professor of Physics at Christopher Newport University (CNU), School of Engineering and Computing. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Princeton University and dual B.S. degrees in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on gravitational wave (GW) astronomy, particularly within the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration (LSC). He works on improving GW detection algorithms and searching for GW counterparts to Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs). Dr. Fisher’s awards include the 2016 Gruber Cosmology Prize and the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Princeton University
• B.S. in Physics, University of Maryland, College Park
• B.S. in Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park

Research interests include gravitational wave detection, detector characterization, multimessenger astronomy, and understanding astrophysical phenomena like neutron star collisions. His work bridges theoretical models with observational data from LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA collaborations.

Grants include NSF-funded projects on gravitational wave education, multimessenger astronomy, and improving data analysis infrastructure. He has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on topics like GW transient detection, FRB/GRB correlations, and detector optimization. His research group actively participates in LIGO’s global efforts to decode cosmic events through gravitational wave signals.

Dr. Fisher collaborates with international teams and mentors students in cutting-edge observational astrophysics, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to GW science.