Jonathan Winghong Luk is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Stanford University. His research focuses on nonlinear partial differential equations, general relativity, and mathematical physics, with a particular emphasis on gravitational wave dynamics, shock formation, and high-frequency spacetime solutions. Contact: Email: jluk@stanford.edu Office: 382-Z, Building 380, Stanford, CA 94305 Research Trends: His recent publications examine nonlinear wave equations on dynamic spacetimes, gravitational phase mixing, impulsive gravitational wave interactions, and stability of black hole interiors. He frequently collaborates with experts like C. Huneau, S.-J. Oh, and J. Speck. Academic Activities: Luk organizes the Analysis and PDE seminar at Stanford with Eugenia Malinnikova and Ryan Unger. He has developed lecture notes on nonlinear wave equations and Fourier analysis, complemented by example sheets.
William H. Matthaeus is the Martin A. Pomerantz Chair of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Delaware, where he has been a faculty member since 1983. He is affiliated with the Bartol Research Institute, housed in the H. Rodney Sharp Laboratory on the University of Delaware campus. His work focuses on space physics, plasma physics, turbulence theory, and computational physics. Dr. Matthaeus received his B.A. degree in physics and philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1973, followed by a Ph.D. from William and Mary in 1979. His academic journey included a National Academy of Sciences Research Associate position from 1980-1982 before joining the University of Delaware. Matthaeus's research spans solar wind physics, space plasmas, kinetic microinstabilities, and space mission development. His work involves theoretical, computational, and observational approaches to understanding plasma turbulence and magnetic reconnection in space environments. He has made significant contributions to understanding energy transfer in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, solar wind dynamics, and particle acceleration mechanisms. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on multiscale plasma phenomena, with particular attention to turbulence in the solar wind, magnetosheath, and near-Sun environments. The research utilizes data from multiple spacecraft missions including Parker Solar Probe, MMS, and HelioSwarm, combined with sophisticated numerical simulations. James Clerk Maxwell Prize in Plasma Physics (2019) from the American Physical Society James B. Macelwane Award from the American Physical Society University of Delaware College of Arts & Sciences Scholarship Award Fellow of the American Physical Society Fellow of the American Geophysical Union Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of The Institute of Physics Dr. Matthaeus serves as director of the Delaware NASA Space Grant Consortium and the Delaware NASA EPSCoR program. He is a co-investigator on several major spacecraft missions including Cluster/PEACE, the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, the Parker Solar Probe ISOIS instruments, the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, PUNCH and Helioswarm. For over a decade, he has organized the Arcetri Workshop on Plasma Astrophysics in Florence, Italy, fostering international collaboration in the field. His research group at the Bartol Research Institute maintains active collaborations with scientists worldwide and contributes to advancing our understanding of fundamental plasma processes that govern space weather and astrophysical phenomena.
Nuno Loureiro is an Associate Professor at the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, with a secondary appointment in the Physics Department. He obtained his PhD in Physics from Imperial College London in 2005 and held postdoctoral positions at Princeton University and the UK’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy before joining MIT in 2016. His research focuses on plasma physics , particularly theory and simulations of astrophysical and laboratory plasmas , including magnetic reconnection, turbulence, and kinetic effects. His work bridges classical plasma dynamics with emerging quantum computing applications. The 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in quantum algorithms for plasma simulations , magnetic reconnection mechanisms , and turbulence dynamics across relativistic and non-relativistic plasmas. Topics include plasmoid-mediated inverse energy transfer, data-driven fluid closures, and ion-acoustic instability impacts. 2015 Thomas H. Stix Award (American Physical Society) NSF CAREER Award
James F. Drake is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland, College Park, with affiliations at the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST) and the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics (IREAP). He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Physics from UCLA (1975). His research focuses on theoretical plasma physics, particularly magnetic reconnection and plasma turbulence, with applications to space physics, solar flares, and magnetic fusion. Key contributions include elucidating the role of whistler waves in reconnection dynamics and advancing understanding of energy release mechanisms in plasmas. Dr. Drake’s awards include the American Physical Society Fellowship and the Humboldt Senior Scientist Research Award. He teaches advanced physics courses (e.g., Physics 604, 611, 761-762) and has pioneered computational models to study reconnection, turbulence, and particle acceleration. Recent work leverages Parker Solar Probe data to explore solar wind dynamics and reconnection in near-Sun environments. Education: UCLA (B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Physics, 1975) Research Themes: Magnetic Reconnection, Plasma Turbulence, Space Plasma Dynamics Notable Achievements: Leader in reconnection theory; developer of kinetic simulation frameworks; contributor to NASA missions
Matthew W. Kunz is an Associate Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University, serving as Associate Chair of the Department of Astrophysical Sciences and Director of Graduate Studies for the Program in Plasma Physics. He holds a B.S. in Astronomy-Physics and B.A. in Music from the University of Virginia (2003), and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009). His research focuses on astrophysical plasma dynamics, including instability, turbulence, and transport in weakly collisional and poorly ionized plasmas, with applications to galaxy clusters, accretion disks, and the solar wind. Dr. Kunz's work employs analytical and numerical methods to study multi-scale plasma dynamics, aiming to understand angular momentum transport in accretion disks, kinetic turbulence cascades, and magnetic field evolution. His research has been recognized with several awards, including an NSF CAREER Award (2020-25), Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2017-20), and NASA Einstein Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011-14). He teaches courses on plasma astrophysics (AST 521), irreversible processes in plasmas (AST 554), and astrophysical research methods (AST 303). His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on plasma turbulence, magnetic reconnection, and cosmic ray propagation, with recent work emphasizing collisionless plasma dynamics and high-energy astrophysical phenomena.
Dr. Louise Willingale is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan. Specializing in high-intensity laser-plasma interactions, she leads experimental research at facilities including the ZEUS laser system and OMEGA EP. Her work combines experimental diagnostics with numerical modeling to advance understanding of relativistic plasma physics and ion acceleration mechanisms. Education: PhD in Physics from Imperial College London (2007) Research Focus: Investigates relativistic laser-plasma interactions through ion acceleration, magnetic field generation, and direct laser acceleration of electrons. Her work spans underdense/near-critical density plasmas, shock formation physics, and extreme electromagnetic field generation in laboratory astrophysics contexts. Recent Publication Trends: 2024-2025 studies emphasize ZEUS laser facility development, optimization of acceleration mechanisms (direct laser acceleration, wakefield acceleration), and magnetic field dynamics in multi-PW laser-solid interactions. Common subfields include collisionless shocks, radiation-driven plasma instabilities, and advanced diagnostics for relativistic charge particles. Labs & Collaborations: Affiliated with the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) and the Center for High-Energy-Density Laboratory Astrophysics Research (CHEDAR), working closely with the ZEUS laser facility team.
Michael Barnes is a Tutorial Fellow in Physics and Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford. He contributes to the Department of Physics through teaching and research, with a focus on plasma behavior in magnetic fields. His work has critical applications in sustainable energy production via fusion and astrophysical systems. Professor Barnes teaches Mathematical Methods for Physicists to undergraduate students at University College and lectures on Complex Numbers and Ordinary Differential Equations . His pedagogical emphasis is on developing mathematical fluency for advanced physics topics. His research explores plasma turbulence suppression by sheared flows, particularly in magnetic confinement fusion. Key projects include the development of the TRINITY multiscale gyrokinetic transport code and studies on tokamak transport barriers. Recent publications highlight advancements in gyrokinetic simulations, collision operators, and beam diagnostics for fusion applications. Notable trends in his publications include multiscale modeling of plasma turbulence, zonal flow dynamics, and experimental comparisons for fusion devices like JET, MAST, and ITER. Subfields span from fundamental kinetic theory to applied fusion engineering.
Anna Perona is a Research Fellow at the University of Warwick's Department of Physics, affiliated with the Physics Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics. Her research focuses on plasma physics phenomena, including magnetic reconnection and energetic particle behavior in fusion and space plasmas. She has conducted postdoctoral work at leading institutions like JET (Culham) and CEA (Cadarache), investigating fast ion dynamics and plasma stability. Her current work emphasizes electron acceleration during magnetic reconnection events, supported by a custom numerical tool analyzing 3D magnetic field effects on electron trajectories. Collaborations include projects with Julia Branke on visualizing plasma dynamics. No awards are explicitly stated, but her work contributes to advancing fusion energy and space plasma understanding. Education & Experience: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Warwick Research stages at JET (Tokamak disruptions) and CEA (fusion physics) Research Interests: Numerical modeling of energetic electrons and ions in magnetized plasmas Magnetic reconnection dynamics and its impact on particle acceleration Development of 3D plasma simulation tools Advising & Grants: No formal advisees listed Collaborations with institutions like JET and CEA Labs & Teams: Part of the Physics Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics at Warwick Contributions to the HAGIS code for energetic ion studies
Jennifer Ryan is a Professor of Numerical Analysis and Division Head of Numerical Analysis, Optimization, and Systems Theory at the Department of Mathematics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on designing and developing numerical schemes to extract accuracy from simulations, particularly through superconvergence properties and computational efficiency improvements. She applies these techniques to applications such as imaging, fluid visualization, and plasma dynamics. Education: PhD in Applied Mathematics, Brown University; MS in Mathematics, Courant Institute; BA in Applied Mathematics, Rutgers University. Professional Activities: Member of editorial boards for BIT Numerical Mathematics, ESAIM:M2AN, and Communications on Applied Mathematics and Computation; Steering committee member of AWM's Women in Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing (WINASc). Her publications emphasize discontinuous Galerkin methods, SIAC filtering, and applications in fluid dynamics. She has served on multiple grant review panels and received awards for diversity and inclusion initiatives. Grants: Principal Investigator for projects funded by the Swedish Research Council, NSF, and US Air Force Office of Scientific Research. Awards: Fellow of UK Higher Education Academy, DAAD Fellowship, and Householder Fellowship.
Ellen Zweibel is the W. L. Kraushaar Professor of Astronomy and Physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison , where she has been a faculty member since 2003. She holds a joint appointment in the Department of Astronomy and Physics . Zweibel earned her undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Chicago and her Ph.D. in Astrophysical Sciences from Princeton University. Her research focuses on plasma astrophysics , particularly the evolution of astrophysical magnetic fields , cosmic ray feedback in galactic and intergalactic environments, and stellar differential rotation dynamics. Recent work examines cosmic ray interactions with the interstellar medium, magnetic instabilities in galaxy clusters, and turbulence-driven dynamo processes. Zweibel's publications highlight collaborations on missions like HelioSwarm and SOFIA/HAWC+ , including the discovery of a magnetized dust ring in the Galactic Center . She leads NSF-funded research on microscale plasma processes in high-beta environments and contributes to understanding magnetic reconnection across astrophysical contexts.
Colby Haggerty is an Assistant Professor at the Institute for Astronomy (IfA Mānoa) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He specializes in computational plasma physics, focusing on magnetospheric, heliospheric, and astrophysical systems. His research emphasizes collisionless plasma shocks, magnetic reconnection, and kinetic plasma turbulence. He holds a Ph.D. in Plasma Physics from the University of Delaware (2017) and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of Chicago (2017–2021). His work bridges theory, numerical simulations, and observational data analysis using advanced computational tools like Python, C++, Fortran, and MPI/OpenMP frameworks. Research Interests: He investigates collisionless plasma shocks and energetic particle acceleration (e.g., Earth’s bow shock, coronal mass ejections), plasma instabilities, magnetic reconnection dynamics, and the role of turbulence in energy dissipation. His studies often involve hybrid and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations to model cosmic phenomena like supernova remnants and solar wind interactions. Articles & Trends: His recent publications highlight advancements in understanding shock-drift acceleration mechanisms, the saturation of plasma instabilities (e.g., Bell instability), and scaling laws for magnetic reconnection in asymmetric and relativistic regimes. Collaborations with institutions like NASA Goddard, Columbia University, and the University of Chicago underscore his interdisciplinary approach. He has also contributed to developing Python-based plasma physics tools (e.g., PlasmaPy) for the scientific community. Grants & Impact: His CAREER award (2024) supports studies on collisionless magnetic reconnection as a heliospheric process. He emphasizes computational methods and educational outreach, reflecting his dual focus on advancing science and training future researchers. Labs & Teams: While no specific lab is named, his work relies on collaborative networks with leading institutions, leveraging state-of-the-art simulation infrastructure to tackle complex plasma problems.
Tomas Karlsson is a Professor and Deputy Head of Department at the Royal Institute of Technology , specializing in Space and Plasma Physics . He teaches courses such as EF2240 Space Physics , EF2245 Space Physics II , and EI1240 Electromagnetic Theory , while serving as examiner or coordinator for advanced projects and thesis work in space-related fields. His research focuses on the interaction between the solar wind and planetary magnetospheres , with specific interests in bow shock physics , magnetosheath jets , solar wind magnetic holes , auroral physics , and comparative studies of magnetospheres across planets and comets. He employs spacecraft data (e.g., MMS , Cluster , BepiColombo ) and simulations to analyze plasma dynamics and space weather phenomena. The 15 most recent publications highlight trends in solar wind turbulence , magnetospheric boundary processes , and planetary plasma interactions , with recurring themes in SLAMS (Short Large-Amplitude Magnetic Structures) , magnetosheath jet formation , and magnetic hole propagation . These works span statistical surveys, hybrid simulations, and multi-mission data analysis.
Jiaxin Jin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, joining in 2024. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2021), M.S. from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2015), and B.S. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2014). Previously, he served as Zassenhaus Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on applying dynamical systems to mathematical biology/biochemistry and partial differential equations in mathematical physics, with emphasis on: (i) dynamical equivalence in reaction models, (ii) network structure in input-output networks, and (iii) kinetic equations analysis. His work bridges mathematical theory and biological applications through advanced computational methods. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on reaction networks (12 papers), kinetic theory (4 papers), and homeostasis in biological systems (2 papers), with increasing emphasis on algorithmic implementations and geometric approaches.
Gilbert 'Rip' Collins is the Tracy Hyde Harris Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Physics at the University of Rochester, holding dual appointments in the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). He also serves as Associate Director of Science, Technology and Academics at LLE, Distinguished Scientist at LLE, and Director of the NSF-funded Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP). His research focuses on extreme states of matter, including planetary interiors, high-energy-density plasmas, and thermonuclear fusion processes. Collins earned his PhD in 1989 from Ohio State University. His work leverages facilities like the Omega Laser at LLE to recreate astrophysical conditions, exploring topics such as phase separation in giant planets, quantum matter at atomic pressures, and laboratory astrophysics experiments. He collaborates globally to advance understanding of exoplanet structure, stellar evolution, and fusion energy control. Key affiliations: Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP), Omega Laser Facility Research highlights: Hydrogen-rich superconductors, planetary core dynamics, radiation-dominated plasmas Leadership roles: HED Experiments Group Lead at LLE, co-director of international collaborations His team includes graduate students and scientists investigating topics ranging from collisionless shocks to exoplanet mass-radius relationships. Collins’ contributions bridge fundamental physics with applied energy research, supported by grants from the NSF Physics Frontier Center and other national agencies.
Yan Guo is the L. Herbert Ballou University Professor of Applied Mathematics at Brown University. He holds a B.S. from Peking University (1987) and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Brown University (1993). His research focuses on partial differential equations (PDEs) in kinetic theory, plasma physics, and stellar dynamics, emphasizing nonlinear stability and instability phenomena. He has held roles including Courant Instructor, Manning Assistant Professor, and has been continuously affiliated with Brown since 1995. Education: B.S., Peking University (1987); Ph.D., Brown University (1993). Research interests include rigorous mathematical analysis of PDEs arising in kinetic theory (Boltzmann/Vlasov equations), fluid dynamics (Euler/Navier-Stokes), and stability of galactic models. Notable contributions include nonlinear stability of Maxwellian states, instability of plasma equilibria, and mathematical frameworks for galaxy dynamics. His publications address foundational problems in kinetic theory and fluid dynamics, with recent work on the Euler-Maxwell system and Boltzmann equation regularity. Awards include the Sloan Research Fellowship (1998-2003) and NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship (1995-1998). Guo serves as Managing Editor of the Journal of Partial Differential Equations and Associate Editor for multiple journals, including SIAM Journal of Mathematical Analysis. He has organized conferences on nonlinear wave equations and PDEs since 1998.
