Bing Zhang

Zhang is a theoretical astrophysicist closely working with observers. According to the Astrophysics Data System, he has published more than 700 entries, including more than 450 refereed papers as of 2021. He is known for his theoretical work on several subjects in the field of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs): e.g., a canonical afterglow lightcurve and interpretation, a prompt emission model invoking internal collision-induced magnetic reconnection, a magnetar central engine, a quasi-universal structured jet, a physical classification scheme, among others. His work has been found useful in interpreting the rapidly growing body of GRB data, and several of his predictions have been verified by observations. Together with Peter Mészáros and Pawan Kumar, Zhang wrote two influential review articles in the GRB field. He also wrote a comprehensive, 579 pages book on the physics of GRBs, which serves as an advanced textbook for graduate students and as a reference for researchers in the field of GRBs.

Zhang is an elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (2014). He holds the position of Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, as well as serving as Associate Dean for Research of the College of Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Bing Zhang was born in 1968 in Shanxi, China. He received his B.S. (1991), M.S. (1994), and Ph.D. (1997) from Peking University. After postdoctoral fellowships at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Pennsylvania State University, he joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2004 where he is holding a tenured faculty position.