Karen Masters
Karen Masters
she/her
Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Chair of Physics and Astronomy
Observatory A
(610) 795-6066
klmasters [at] haverford.edu
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Research

I am an astronomer/astrophysicist researching galaxies in the Universe. I am particularly interested in investigating how the internal structures we see in some galaxies (the spiral arms, galactic bars and rings) affect and reveal the cosmic history of their host galaxy.

I work with many large collaborations to do this - most recently the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), which is a collaboration of hundreds of astronomers across almost all continents working together to map the Universe. I’m particularly involved in the MaNGA (Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory) part of SDSS, but as the SDSS-IV Spokesperson I worked with all areas of the survey and the scientists to facilitate scientific collaboration and communication.

 I am also the Principle Investigator (previously Project Scientist) of the Galaxy Zoo project, which is part of the Zooniverse group of Citizen Science Projects. As well as the main site, I have run various Galaxy Zoo affiliated projects, Galaxy Zoo: 3D and Galaxy Builder.

Professional Background

  • B.A. Physics, Oxford University (Wadham College)
  • M.Sc, Ph.D., Astronomy, Cornell University
  • Postdoctoral Appointments:
    • Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (2005-2008)
    • Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth (2008-2013)
  • Senior Lecturer (2013-2014) then Reader of Astronomy and Astrophysics (2014-2019), Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth
  • Associate Professor of Astronomy and Physics, Haverford College (2018-2021)
  • Full Professor of Astronomy and Physics, Haverford College (2021-)