The Simons Foundation has named Todd Thompson, professor of the Department of Astronomy, as a 2018 Simons Fellow in theoretical physics. Thompson is one of only 52 fellows, and one of only 12 in theoretical physics. The Simons Fellows program extends academic leaves from one term to a full year, enabling recipients to focus solely on research for the long periods often necessary for significant advances. Thompson is a theoretical astrophysicist and a principal developer of the “millisecond magnetar” model for the central engine of gamma-ray bursts and the idea that the growth of galaxies and their black holes might be regulated by radiation pressure of photons on dust grains.

Congratulations, Todd!