Richard Easther
RESEARCH I am a theoretical cosmologist, and I am particularly interested in understanding the predictions of different models of the Big Bang and how we can test them against observations. My current interests include:
- The observational consequences of different models of the inflationary phase in the early universe
- Nonlinear dynamics in the post-inflationary universe, gravitational waves and oscillons
- Axion dark matter
- Multiverse cosmology and fundamental physics
TEACHING I love teaching, from introductory physics and astronomy through to graduate cosmology and general relativity. From a broader perspective, I am also interested in how universities can teach as effectively as possible. While it is always easy to believe that you are living through a special time in history, the ways in which knowledge is stored, delivered and created are currently undergoing dramatic changes. Consequently, we must rethink how and what we teach in order to respond to these changes. Specific teaching contributions include:
- Curriculum and pedagogy modernisation in physics.
- Contributor to the Auckland Lablet project
- Co-founder of the University of Auckland Science Scholars programme
- Co-organiser of the Auckland Programme in Space Systems (APSS) and cubesat competition
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION I contribute to outreach and science communication as a speaker and blogger, and organiser and I am one of the founders of thinkScience, a trust working to build a science festival in Auckland, in collaboration with the Auckland Arts Festival. Other activities include:
- Initiated the Science Street Fair at MoTAT
- Science consultant, Jiwi’s Machines
- Advisor, World Science Festival Brisbane
- Consultant, Nigel Latta Blows Stuff Up
CONTACT DETAILS / PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Contact details are available at my University of Auckland profile page; I am happy to answer queries from potential students, whether you are interested in post-graduate research, or in studying physics and astronomy at any level.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND LINKS
BRIEF BIO: Richard Easther was born and educated in New Zealand. He has worked in many areas of astrophysics and theoretical cosmology since graduating from the University of Canterbury in 1994. He held post-doctoral positions at (Japan), Brown and Columbia Universities and was a professor at Yale University from 2004-2011,. He returned to New Zealand at the end of 2011, and is now Professor and Head of Department of Physics at the University of Auckland. His work ranges from astrophysical tests of theories of the very early universe to the cosmological implications of string theory.
Curriculum Vitae (last updated December, 2016)
