Kaplan discovers possible theoretical extensions to the standard model of particle physics and cosmology, and then novel ways to discover those and other models. Kaplan is a Fellow of the APS, and has been named an Outstanding Junior Investigator by the DOE, a Kavli Frontiers Fellow of the NAS, and an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow. He has also created and produced the documentary film, Particle Fever, for which he has won a DuPont Journalism Award, and other accolades.