Gregory Sivakoff, PhD, MSc, BSc

Associate Professor, Faculty of Science - Physics

Contact

Associate Professor, Faculty of Science - Physics
Email
sivakoff@ualberta.ca

Overview

About

BSc/BA (2000) Brandeis University, USA
MSc (2001) University of Manchester, UK
MSc (2003) University of Virginia, USA
PHd (2006) University of Virginia, USA
Postdoctoral Researcher, The Ohio State University, USA, 2006-2008
Research Associate, University of Virginia, USA, 2008-2011
Assistant Professor, University of Alberta, 2011-2017
Associate Professor, University of Alberta, 2017-present
Associate Chair of Research (Physics), 2018-present



Research

My primary research focuses on multi-wavelength observations of white dwarfs, neutron stars, stellar-mass black holes, and super-massive black holes (Active Galactic Nucleii), with a strong focus on those sources that are transient and/or variable. My other research interests include the transient radio-through-sub-mm Universe, globular clusters, the intergalactic medium, and data mining. I also have strong interests in Education & Public Outreach.


Teaching

Teaching Areas:

Astronomy, Physics


Teaching Philosophy:

  • I want to share the excitement of astronomy with all of my students.
  • Mastering concepts is more important than simple memorization.
  • Mathematics and problem solving are essential skills, regardless of your major.

Mentoring:

I am a strong believer in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, whether as their official supervisor or as an unofficial mentor.
Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.

Courses

ASTRO 101 - Black Holes

An introduction to the science of black holes and its connection to how black holes are portrayed in popular culture and news. Topics include: properties of light; introduction to gravity, relativity and quantum physics; life cycle of stars; measurements of black hole properties; observed features of black holes interacting with their environment; event horizons, the ergosphere, and singularities; quantum black holes, information, and Hawking radiation; gravitational lensing; gravitational radiation. Prerequisites: Math 30-1. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in ASTRO 122.


EN PH 131 - Mechanics

Kinematics and dynamics of particles; gravitation; work and energy; linear momentum; angular momentum; systems of particles; introduction to dynamics of rigid bodies. Prerequisites: MATH 100 or 117, and ENGG 130. Corequisite: MATH 101 or 118. Restricted to Engineering students. Other students who take this course will receive 3 units.


Browse more courses taught by Gregory Sivakoff

Scholarly Activities

Research - Very Large Array Sky Survey

As co-chair of the Transients Science Working Group for the Very Large Array Sky Survey, I am working to maximize the scientific and outreach success of this three-epoch seven-year survey of the (northern) sky visible from New Mexico.

Science Webpage

Featured Publications

James C. A. Miller-Jones, Gregory R. Sivakoff, et al.

The Astrophysical Journal. 421 (1):468-485


Gregory Sivakoff et al.

The Astrophysical Journal. 660 (2):1246-1263


IceCube Collaboration et al. (997 Authors)

Science. 361 (6398):eaat1378


James C. A. Miller-Jones, Gregory R. Sivakoff, et al.

Science. 340 (6135):950-952


B. E. Tetarenko, J.-P. Lasota, C. O. Heinke, G. Dubus & G. R. Sivakoff

Nature. 554


Miller-Jones, James C. A., Tetarenko, Alexandra J., Sivakoff, Gregory R., et al.

Nature. 569 (7756):374-377