Prof. Dong Lai receives the 2016 Simon Fellowship in Theoretical Physics from the Simons Foundation

March 21st, 2016

With the support of the Simons fellowship, Prof. Dong Lai will carry out theoretical study on the dynamics and formation of extreme exoplanetary systems.  Among nearly 2000 confirmed exoplanets (and about 4000 candidates) are many extreme planetary systems that are quite unlike our own Solar System: hot Jupiters, super-Earths, compact multi-planet systems, circumbinary planets, etc.  Understanding these extreme systems can provide new insights into the structure, formation and evolution of planets and planetary systems.       

The Simons fellowship will support Lai's research leave in the 2016-2017 academic year. He plans to carry out research at several institutions in the US and Europe, and continue to work with students on campus on various research projects.

Prof. Lai’s is one of three awards to physics and astronomy faculty at Cornell, out 14 total awarded nationwide.

Arts & Sciences Article:

http://as.cornell.edu/news/three-faculty-win-simons-awards

Simons Foundation Website:

https://www.simonsfoundation.org/mathematics-and-physical-science/