Contact: dikerbys@msu.edu

Welcome! I’m Steve DiKerby, a high-energy astronomer. Currently, I’m a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University. Working with Prof. Shuo Zhang, I investigate the X-ray and gamma-ray universe using space-based and terrestrial telescopes.
In 2024, I obtained my PhD from the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. There, I worked with my advisor Prof. Abe Falcone to study pulsars, blazars, and more using multiwavelength observations and machine learning.
I am also involved in teaching, outreach, and service; I’ve designed and conducted several undergraduate courses, and I’m active in local science outreach as well. I’m a regular contributor to the “Curious Kids” series of explanatory articles at The Conversation.
Outside of academics, I enjoy martial arts (mostly karate and fencing), Dungeons and Dragons (I’m a forever DM), reading, and playing the string bass.
Upon getting married in April 2024, I legally changed my name from Stephen Kerby to Stephen DiKerby, merging my last name with my wife’s. I have published extensively under Stephen Kerby, and my older papers may appear under that name.
Here’s my CV: