Dr. E Phinney

Professor

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Biography

E. Sterl Phinney is a Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology. He obtained his B.S. from Caltech in 1980 and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1983. Phinney has held various academic positions including Assistant Professor from 1985 to 1991, Associate Professor from 1991 to 1995, and Professor since 1995. Phinney also served as Executive Officer from 2013 to 2016. His research interests lie in Theoretical High-Energy Astrophysics and Gravitational Wave Astrophysics, tackling questions related to black holes, neutron stars, and the early universe. He has been involved in significant projects such as the LISA space mission and the ULTRAsat mission scheduled for launch in 2030. Phinney actively collaborates with students and postdoctoral researchers to explore extreme physical phenomena using a combination of electromagnetic, particle, and gravitational wave observations. He has received several awards, including the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship and the ASCIT Excellence Teaching Award. He is also a Fellow of prominent professional societies including the American Physical Society and the American Astronomical Society.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Leading research in theoretical astrophysics and teaching courses related to astrophysics and physics.

Executive Officer

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Oversaw which included manage academic programs and faculty relations.

Associate Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Conducting research and teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Assistant Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Beginning an independent research career in theoretical astrophysics.

Awards

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Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow

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ASCIT Excellence Teaching Award

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Warner Prize

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Salpeter Lecturer

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Presidential Young Investigator

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Radboud University Excellence Professor

Courses

Ay 121. Radiative Processes. Ay 102. Physics Interstellar Medium. Ph 101. Order-of-Magnitude Physics.

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.