Dr. W Brandt

Professor

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Biography

W. Niel Brandt is the Eberly Family Chair Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics and a Professor of Physics at the Penn State Eberly College of Science. His research primarily focuses on observational studies of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and cosmic surveys, aiming to understand their physics, demographics, and ecological roles throughout cosmic time. He has extensively investigated actively accreting SMBHs, dormant SMBHs, starburst and normal galaxies, and transient sources. His work employs advanced observational facilities including Chandra, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR satellites, as well as data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Brandt is also a prominent figure in planning research for upcoming X-ray missions and surveys. His teaching repertoire includes courses in astronomy and astrophysics such as 'Astronomical Universe', 'Black Holes in the Universe', and 'Introduction to High-Energy Astronomy'. He holds numerous honors, including fellowships from the American Astronomical Society and the American Physical Society, and has received multiple NASA Group Achievement Awards. Brandt's publications span a wide range of topics related to cosmic surveys and active galactic nuclei, contributing significantly to the field of high-energy astrophysics.

Research Interests

Awards

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American Astronomical Society Fellowship

2020-01-01
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American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellowship

2019-01-01
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NASA Group Achievement Award NuSTAR Extragalactic Survey Team

2017-01-01
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Bruno Rossi Prize High-Energy Astrophysics Division American Astronomical Society

2016-01-01
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NASA Group Achievement Award NuSTAR Science Team

2014-01-01
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American Physical Society Fellowship

2009-01-01
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Newton Lacy Pierce Prize American Astronomical Society

2004-01-01
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NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award

2000-01-01
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Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship

1999-01-01

Courses

Astro 001: Astronomical Universe Astro 130: Black Holes in the Universe Astro 485: Introduction to High-Energy Astronomy Astro 550: High-Energy Astrophysics Astro 589: Observational Overview Active Galactic Nuclei High School Teacher Workshops

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.