A. Meredith Hughes

A. Meredith Hughes is an Associate Professor of Astronomy at Wesleyan University, specializing in planet formation and circumstellar disk dynamics. She leads the Disk Detectives research group, using radio telescopes like ALMA to study gas and dust around young stars. Her work bridges observational astronomy with pedagogy, emphasizing hands-on learning through radio telescope projects and public outreach.

• Educations:
• PhD in Astronomy, Harvard University (2010)
• AM in Astronomy, Harvard University (2007)
• BS in Physics & Astronomy, Yale University (2005)

Research focuses on debris disks, molecular gas dynamics, and radio astronomy techniques. Notable achievements include the Bok Prize (2015) and Cottrell Scholar Award (2018). She actively promotes diversity in STEM and advises Wesleyan Women in Science (WesWIS).

Teaching includes courses like Radio Astronomy and Planetary Science Seminars. Grants include NSF funding for debris disk research and public outreach initiatives.