Dr. Elena Pierpaoli

Professor

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Biography

Elena Pierpaoli is a theoretical cosmologist and current Professor at the University of Southern California. Her research primarily focuses on determining the content of the Universe and understanding the evolution of its characteristics. Pierpaoli has extensively studied the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation, which provides crucial insights into the Universe's global geometry and matter-energy content. Her work spans testing theoretical scenarios against actual observations and involves extensive data analysis from key CMB satellite missions like Planck and the forthcoming Simons Observatory. Pierpaoli's contributions also involve the study of galaxy clusters, which are significant for probing dark energy and dark matter processes. Her innovative approach includes analyzing the interactions between CMB radiation and galaxy clusters, enhancing our understanding of structure formation in the Universe. Pierpaoli has received numerous awards for her contributions to cosmology, including being part of the teams that earned the Gruber Cosmology Prize and the NASA Group Achievement Award. She actively participates in various academic committees and outreach programs to enhance student understanding of cosmology and inspire future generations in the field of astrophysics.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2011-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Associate Professor

2007-04-01 — 2010-12-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Assistant Professor

2006-06-01 — 2007-03-01

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Research Faculty

2004-09-01 — 2006-05-31

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Research Staff

2002-01-01 — 2004-09-01

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

National Fellow

1998-11-15 — 2001-11-14

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Awards

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Simons Foundation Fellow

#

G. V. Cocconi Prize

2019-10-01
#

Gruber Cosmology Prize

2018-10-01
#

NASA Group Achievement Award

2013-10-01
#

NASA Group Achievement Award

2011-10-01
#

NSF ADVANCE Fellow

2004-07-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in Physics or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Writing Sample (if requested)
Specialization Notes

GRE requirements vary; many Dornsife programs have made it optional.