CASCA is pleased to announce Dr. Alan Knee as the recipient of the 2026 J.S. Plaskett Medal for the most outstanding doctoral thesis in astronomy or astrophysics.
Dr. Knee received his PhD in 2025 under the supervision of Dr. Jess McIver at the University of British Columbia, and is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University Michigan. His thesis, entitled “Searches for novel gravitational-wave sources with ground- and space-based detectors,” explores undiscovered gravitational wave sources along diverse fronts, from our own galaxy to the far reaches of the Universe. Knee’s work enables novel insights into the ultra-dense matter of neutron stars, the dynamics of the galactic centre, and the origin of distant LIGO-Virgo sources. Knee’s achievements required building mastery with ground-based and space-based detector instrumentation as well as cutting-edge statistical approaches. In pushing multiple frontiers of disparate gravitational-wave sources, types of detectors, and methodologies, Knee’s PhD thesis is exceptionally broad in the span of its high-impact work.
CASCA is delighted to recognize Dr. Knee’s achievements with this award.