Contributing Author

Shri Kulkarni, professor of astronomy at the California Institute of Technology, has an abundant publication record thanks, in part, to his attitude towards graduate students and postdocs. Since 1982, he has chalked up some 200 articles and reviews. Hard work is part of it but, more importantly, Kulkarni gives graduate students a greater role in the process than many senior scientists give their protégés.

Kulkarni is also a proponent of learning different observational techniques. In the paper on page 845, his group uses four different methods to observe short, intense γ-ray bursts that result from the merger of neutron stars or black holes.

Why so many observational techniques for this paper?

A lot of people stick to one kind of instrument or another. Having a whole bunch of tool kits gives you more opportunities.

Why did you learn them all?

I have an attention deficit syndrome. Every three to five years I feel it's time to move on. It's not a value judgment or anything. It's just me.

What sort of scientific advantages does switching techniques and research goals provide?

Part of my strategy is to get ahead in new fields. I have so many weaknesses. But one thing I have reasonable luck in is identifying new opportunities a couple of years or a couple of months before others — and being there.

Why not just pursue obvious targets?

I don't do ‘me too’ stuff. You really have to know something special in an existing field.

How have you been able to pick up new sub-disciplines and tools?

I have a lot of bright young people in my group and they really keep me alive this way.

What role do graduate students and postdocs play in your research and publication?

I tell them: “You're the one who will trigger the great telescope. You're the one who will write the submission letter, deal with referees...” I have almost all graduate students in their second year submit a paper. But it's not like the students are thrown in the water and then are asked to thrash around.

How has this approach contributed to your publication record and overall output?

The top-ranking students, they talk among themselves. If they hear they can be first author of a big paper in a high-profile journal, they will consider joining my lab. I get lots of ambitious, self-driven students.