Dr. Wen Fai Fong

Associate Professor

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Biography

Wen-fai Fong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University. He employs observations across the electromagnetic spectrum to investigate explosive transients and their host galaxy environments. His research encompasses a variety of explosive events including gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts, and electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave sources. Fong leads a research group dedicated to characterizing the host galaxies of gamma-ray bursts and mobilizing the SAGUARO telescope network in Southern Arizona for multi-messenger gravitational wave source pursuits. His work involves extensive multi-wavelength studies to uncover the origins of these transients, examining questions about the energy sources, the composition of ejected materials, and the environmental conditions required for hosting such events. A co-founder of the SAGUARO telescope network and a co-leader of the Fast Fortunate FRB Follow-up Collaboration, Fong is also involved in the CHIME/FRB CRAFT collaborations. He is passionate about mentorship and cultivating an inclusive scientific environment, with a strong interest in designing courses that highlight contributions from traditionally minoritized groups in astronomy and physics.

Research Interests

Awards

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Marc Aaronson Prize

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Lancelot M. Berkeley−New York Community Trust Prize

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AT&T Research Fellow / Professorship

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Sloan Research Fellowship

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Cottrell Scholars Award

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Packard Fellowship Science Engineering

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Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Award

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NASA Agency Honor Award Group Achievement

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Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin Doctoral Dissertation Award Astrophysics

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.