Charlotte Christensen

Charlotte Christensen serves as an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at Grinnell College, teaching diverse physics courses while leading computational astrophysics research.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.A. in Physics from Carleton College (2005)
• Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Washington (2011)

Christensen's research employs computer simulations to model galaxy evolution from the Big Bang to present, with specialized focus on star formation quenching in satellite galaxies. She pioneers computational integration in physics pedagogy, merging astrophysical discovery with educational innovation to advance both scientific understanding and teaching methodologies.

Her accolades feature:

• National Science Foundation CAREER Grant (2018)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Student Research Fellowship

Christensen mentors undergraduate researchers whose work frequently results in co-authored publications and competitive awards. Her NSF CAREER funding simultaneously drives satellite galaxy investigations and curriculum development for computational physics instruction.