Dr. Tom Abel

Biography

Tom Abel is a Professor in the Physics Department at Stanford University and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. His research focuses on Particle Physics and Astrophysics, employing supercomputer calculations to explore cosmic history. With a background in numerical algorithms, he has developed adaptive-mesh-refinement simulations to capture a wide range of scales in the formation of stars and galaxies. His pioneering work includes the study of collisionless fluids, dark matter, and astrophysical plasmas. In addition, he has designed summary statistics that are robust and efficient for describing spatial clustering, enhancing the understanding of the Universe through fast nearest neighbor searches. His recent initiatives include creating digital twins of astronomical objects, leveraging advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tom served as the director of the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology from 2013 to 2018, contributing significantly to the field of cosmology and the understanding of the Universe's structure.

Research Interests