Huan Yang

Education and Employment Background

Dr. Huan Yang obtained his PhD from the California Institute of Technology, USA, in 2013. Between 2013 and 2016, Yang was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Perimeter Institute. Before he joined the University of Guelph in 2017 as an Assistant Professor, Yang spent one year as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University, working under the supervision of Frans Pretorius.

Research Themes

Yang has a broad interest in theoretical astrophysics. In the past, he has conducted research on quantum optomechanics, quantum measurement, gravitational-wave detector physics, and black hole theories. His current research focuses on gravitational wave astrophysics, embracing the major opportunity of discovery in astronomy brought by detections of gravitational waves. Key research themes include:

1. Strong-field gravitational astrophysics. Yang’s objective is to unravel physics buried within the data, provide new insights to guide observations, and propose methods to improve data quality. Part of his research focuses on the dynamics of compact binary and triple systems, as well as their associated gravitational-wave emissions. He is also studying electromagnetic counterparts of binary neutron stars or neutron star-black hole mergers in relation to future multi-messenger observations.  
2. Fundamental physics with strongly gravitating systems. The goal is to examine dynamical signatures of modified theories of gravity and methods to measure or constraint violations of General Relativity based on observed gravitational-wave data. Such a task also benefits from measurements using electromagnetic-wave telescopes, e.g., the Event Horizon Telescope.

Highlights

• College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Assistant Professor Research Excellence Award, 2020
• NSERC Discovery Grant and Accelerator Supplement 2018
• LISA Consortium member focusing on the technology and science cases for LISA

Media Coverage

Black Holes

• CEPS News: Universal Forces
• Inside the Perimeter: How scientists are using black holes as tools for discovery

Group