Brian Nord

Nord’s current research focuses on teaching machines to search for clues of the universe’s origin and destiny. In particular, he uses artificial intelligence to study the cosmos, including dark energy, dark matter, and the early universe. He actively works on statistical modeling of strong gravitational lenses, the cosmic microwave background, and galaxy clusters. Nord also develops techniques to integrate physical principles into deep learning models and to interpret neural networks.

Nord is an Associate Scientist in Fermilab’s Machine Intelligence Group, which seeks to apply AI to modern challenges in high-energy physics. He is also a Visiting Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and a Senior Member of the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) at the University of Chicago. He leads a team of researchers (Deep Skies) who apply AI to questions in cosmology.

Nord also communicates with the public regarding science, science policy, diversity, and inclusion. He trains scientists in public communication, advocates for science funding, and works alongside high school students in the classroom and research environments. Nord is co-manager of education and public engagement at KICP, where he coordinates Space Explorers, a program to work with underrepresented minorities in high school to find hands-on physics experiences outside the classroom