The reference book Lorentzian Wormholes — from Einstein to Hawking, published in 1996, establishes the current state of theory regarding gravitational anomalies. Its author, Matt Visser, operates within the intersection of mathematics and physics, contributing to the understanding of general relativity, quantum field theory, and cosmology while maintaining a long-standing academic career in New Zealand.
Academic Foundations
Born in 1950, Visser received his early education at St Bernard's College. He later pursued doctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy. His dissertation work was supervised by Mary K. Gaillard, providing the grounding for his subsequent research into mathematical physics.
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Visser held various academic and research positions throughout his career. His tenure began at the University of Southern California between 1984 and 1987. He subsequently joined the Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1987 to 1989. Following this, he spent over a decade at Washington University in St. Louis from 1989 to 2002. He eventually returned to New Zealand to take up a professorship at Victoria University of Wellington, while also holding a position at the Australian National University.
Research and Publications
Visser produces research regarding wormholes, gravitational horizons, and acoustic metrics. Beyond his 1996 monograph, he collaborated on Artificial Black Holes in 2002 alongside M. Novello and G. E. Volovik. In 2009, he co-authored The Kerr Spacetime: Rotating Black Holes in General Relativity with David L. Wiltshire and Susan Scott.
Recognition and Awards
The scientific community has acknowledged his contributions through several honors. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi in 2006. In 2011, he was granted the James Cook Research Fellowship. Furthermore, the New Zealand Institute of Physics presented him with the Dan Walls Medal in 2013.
Fast facts
- Born: 1950
- Citizenship: New Zealand
- Alma mater: St Bernard's College, University of California, Berkeley
- Royal Society Te Apārangi Fellow: 2006
- James Cook Research Fellowship: 2011
- Dan Walls Medal: 2013
Questions readers ask
What are Matt Visser's primary research interests?
His work focuses on general relativity, quantum field theory, cosmology, wormholes, gravitational horizons, and acoustic metrics.
Where has Matt Visser worked?
He has held positions at the University of Southern California, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Washington University in St. Louis, Victoria University of Wellington, and the Australian National University.
Achievements
- Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi — 2006
- Held posts at Victoria University of Wellington, Washington University in St. Louis and Los Alamos National Laboratory
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