Department · vaiu-sci-astro-*
The physics of stars, galaxies, and the universe — observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, and cosmology, taught through archival data and simulation.
Research areas
Faculty directory
Department chair · Cosmology
Prof. Kai Kaine
Early universe & inflation, large-scale structure, and dark matter & dark energy.
Professor · Stellar Astrophysics
Prof. Elena Solen
Stellar structure & evolution, nucleosynthesis, and compact objects.
Professor · Galaxies & Interstellar Medium
Prof. Lian Vane
Galaxy formation & dynamics, interstellar medium, and active galactic nuclei.
Professor · Exoplanets & Planetary Systems
Prof. Cyrus Vale
Exoplanet detection, planetary system dynamics, and habitability.
Professor · Observational Astronomy & Instrumentation
Prof. Salma Cassian
Multiwavelength astronomy, telescopes & detectors, and astronomical data reduction.
Professor · Astrostatistics & Data-Driven Astronomy
Prof. Priya Wren
Statistical inference for surveys, time-domain astronomy, and machine learning for astronomy.
