projects | Thanassis Psaltis

Below you can find a non-exhaustive list of projects our research group has been working on.

Reactions relevant to supernova explosions

Neutrino-driven wind nucleosynthesis

Nova explosions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You are lucky that SMU has a few people working in nuclear astrophysics! In addition to me, you can also work with Prof. Christian on experimental studies.

Of course! There are many projects for students at all levels, from first-year to senior undergraduates. You can also apply for Fellowships to partially support you (see below).

Not at all. A background in physics is helpful, but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are most important. We provide training in the necessary experimental and computational techniques.

Depending on the project, you could learn experimental techniques at accelerator facilities, programming and data analysis (Python, C++), or computational modeling of astrophysical environments.

Yes. We have opportunities for both summer research (often with fellowships) and part-time projects during the school year.

Absolutely. Our group works with researchers at TRIUMF (Vancouver), RIKEN (Japan), FRIB (USA), and other international facilities. Students working in the group will have the opportunity to travel for experiments or meet our collaborators.

I am currently not hiring postdocs, but if you are interested in any of the Fellowships below, I would be happy to support you and your proposed project!

Send me an email with a brief introduction, your background, and any particular interests. Then we can then arrange a time to talk about potential projects.

Research fellowships for students and postdocs

Undergraduate students

CINP Undergraduate Research Scholarship ($6,000 stipend for 16 weeks, in addition to at least another $4,000 and travel support)
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards ($6,000 stipend for 16 weeks, in addition to at least another $4,000 and travel support)
Dean of Science Summer Research Awards ($8,600 for 12 weeks)
First-Year Undergraduate Research Awards ($6,700 for 12 weeks)

For the last three awards, the application deadline is February 20, 2026. If you are interested in working with the group, feel free to contact in advance.

Graduate students

NSERC Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (Ph.D) ($40,000 per year for 3 years)
NSERC Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (M.Sc.) ($27,000 for 12 months)
CINP Graduate Fellowship ($15,000)
Mitacs Globalink Research Award ($6,000-$12,000 for a 12-48 week internships abroad or at SMU
Durland Scholarships in Graduate Research ($10,000 for M.Sc. and $15,000 for Ph.D.) This is a SMU entrance renewable (for 2 and 3 years respectively) designed to attract top research students.

Postdoctoral fellows

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan (JSPS) (¥362,000 per month, round-trip air ticket, and ¥200,000 settling-in allowance)
Postdoctoral Fellowships - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Postdoctoral Fellowships - Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics ($80,000 per year)
Mitacs Globalink Research Award ($6,000-$12,000 for a 12-48 week internships abroad or at SMU)

Reactions relevant to supernova explosions

Neutrino-driven wind nucleosynthesis

Nova explosions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I get involved in nuclear astrophysics research at SMU?

Are there opportunities for undergraduate students?

Do I need prior experience in nuclear physics or astrophysics?

What skills will I gain from working in your group?

Are projects available during the summer or the academic year?

Do you collaborate with other universities or labs?

I have finished my Ph.D. and I am looking for a postdoc. Are there any positions available?

How should I contact you if I’m interested?

Research fellowships for students and postdocs

Undergraduate students

Graduate students

Postdoctoral fellows