Dr. Joseph Gelfand

Associate Professor

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Biography

Joseph Gelfand is an Associate Professor of Physics at NYU Abu Dhabi, where he is involved in both teaching and research. His scholarly work primarily focuses on core-collapse supernovae, cosmic explosions that signify the death of massive stars, particularly neutron stars and the associated pulsar wind nebulae. Gelfand's research interests extend to a variety of astrophysical phenomena, including active galactic nuclei, high redshift radio galaxies, and cosmic ray propagation. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals such as the Astrophysical Journal. Gelfand has also been a National Science Foundation Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow. He received his PhD in Astronomy from Harvard University and previously completed his BA in Physics at Columbia University, graduating magna cum laude and as a Phi Beta Kappa member. In addition to his research, Gelfand is dedicated to teaching and is actively engaged in creating innovative cross-disciplinary curricula for science and engineering majors at NYU Abu Dhabi, where he co-teaches the physics component of Foundations of Science courses. His pedagogical efforts also include hosting a weekly radio show that discusses recent astronomical discoveries and fundamental theories of modern physics, enhancing public engagement with science in Abu Dhabi.

Research Interests

Requirements for New York University Abu Dhabi

Bachelor Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
High School Diploma or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Common Application
  • NYU Supplement
  • Official Transcripts
  • Common Application School Report
  • Counselor Recommendation
  • Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)
  • Standardized Testing (Optional for 2025-2026)
  • Teacher Recommendation
Specialization Notes

Undergraduate programs at NYU Abu Dhabi are cross-disciplinary. Departments such as Computer Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Philosophy, and Psychology fall under the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts/Science tracks.