Graduate Studies in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology

Graduate Studies in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology

Simulated Black Hole Merger

The Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (AST) PhD

The RIT masters and graduate programs provide students a comprehensive curriculum and a broad range of research opportunities that span forefront topics, e.g. supermassive black holes, dark energy, gravitational waves, supernovae, massive stars, the Galactic center, star formation, clusters of galaxies, Active Galactic Nuclei, astro-informatics, computational astrophysics, and instrument and detector development. The faculty regularly obtain data from the most advanced facilities in the world, through observations with HST, Gemini, VLT, VLA, Keck, XMM, Chandra and LIGO. Students in the program also have the opportunity to develop the next generation of exciting astrophysics facilities through currently funded programs, including JWST, LSST, JDEM, TMT, SOFIA. Students in the program are encouraged to explore their interests amongst this rich set of opportunities. Program faculty have 62 funded research projects, offering immediate research opportunities for interested students. The program offers student research opportunities in the Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (CCRG) and the Rochester Imaging and Detector Laboratory (RIDL).

Demise of sun-like star, xray image of NGC 40

Quintuplet Stars Sport Pinwheels

Faculty and Research Interests

• Dr. David Axon – Active Galactic Nuclei, Galaxy Dynamics, Supermassive Black Holes, Star formation, Polarimetry; IR, and Radio Astronomy
• Dr. Stefi Baum – Radio Galaxies, Clusters of Galaxies, Supermassive Black Holes
• Dr. Manuela Campanelli – General Relativity and Gravitation, Computational Astrophysics, Supermassive Black Holes
• Dr. Joshua Faber – General Relativity and Gravitation, Computational Astrophysics, Neutron stars
• Dr. Don Figer – Massive Stars, Regions of Star formation, Detectors
• Dr. Joel Kastner – Young stars and Planet Formation, Evolved Stars and Planetary Nebulae; X-ray, IR, and Radio Astronomy
• Dr. Carlos Lousto – General Relativity and Gravitation, Computational Astrophysics, Supermassive Black Holes
• Dr. Manasse Mbonye – Black Holes, Cosmic Dynamics and Dark Energy
• Dr. David Merritt – Galaxy Formation and Evolution, Supermassive Black holes, Computational Astrophysics
• Dr. Zoran Ninkov – Solid State Image Sensors, Automated Observatories, Planetary Searches, Astronomical Imaging, Digital Radiography
• Dr. Christopher O’Dea – Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei, Radio Galaxies, Clusters of Galaxies
• Dr. Michael Richmond – Supernovae, Variable Stars, Astronomical Software
• Dr. Andrew Robinson – Active Galactic Nuclei, Supermassive Black Holes, Emission-line Nebulae
• Dr. Yosef Zlochower – General Relativity and Gravitation, Computational Astrophysics, Supermassive Black Holes

Rochester

Rochester offers outstanding cultural and outdoor activities. It was recently ranked the number one city in the nation in overall quality of life, and in the top ten in affordable housing, commuting, and low crime. It is the third largest city in NY State, located in upstate NY, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Rochester is close to the Finger Lakes region, Niagara Falls, and Toronto. Rochester has a world class orchestra and outstanding museums and is listed as one of the “top ten best cities for families.”

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted on-line.

For more information email Dr. Chris O’Dea, Chair, Graduate Recruitment and Admissions.

See these related laboratories for more information about the research being done at RIT: CCRG and Rochester Imaging Detector Laboratory .

James Webb Space Telescope