Paul Fulda, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physics
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The discovery of gravitational waves opened an entirely new way to observe the universe, allowing scientists to detect distant cosmic events such as merging black holes. Paul Fulda’s work makes discovery possible at ever greater scale and precision by developing the advanced instruments that allow scientists to see what was once invisible.
Fulda concentrates on laser interferometry, the extremely sensitive technology used in gravitational-wave detectors. These instruments must measure changes smaller than the width of an atom, requiring precision engineering at the limits of what is physically possible. His research supports both current observatories and the next generation of detectors, helping expand what scientists can learn about the universe. In describing his work, Fulda says his aim is to “make the goals of the current and next generation gravitational wave detectors on earth and in space an achievable reality.”
A key focus of the research is improving ground-based detectors such as Advanced LIGO, which first confirmed the existence of gravitational waves. Fulda develops new techniques to better control and refine these kilometer- scale instruments, allowing them to detect weaker and more distant signals. At the same time, he is helping lead the design of future observatories including Cosmic Explorer, a proposed detector capable of detecting gravitational-wave events across the entire observable universe.
Fulda’s research also extends beyond Earth. He collaborates with NASA and international partners to develop technologies for space-based observatories, including the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, or LISA, a mission planned for launch in the coming decade. His group recently achieved a key technological milestone for this mission, demonstrating that telescopes can achieve the stability needed for gravitational wave measurements in space. Those efforts help ensure that future missions can capture entirely new classes of astrophysical phenomena.
Fulda is also deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists, leading international research programs that provide students with hands-on experience in gravitational physics.
In his nomination, department chair Steve Hagen described Fulda as “a leader in the development of state-of-the-art technology” for gravitational-wave detection, noting his central role in multiple major international collaborations. Through his work, Fulda is helping transform how scientists explore the universe and expanding the reach of one of the most exciting frontiers in modern physics.