Heather Crawford

Heather Crawford is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ohio University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on experimental low-energy nuclear physics, particularly the structure of exotic nuclei, utilizing major international facilities such as the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) in Japan, and TRIUMF in Canada.

Her work lies at the intersection of nuclear structure and advanced instrumentation, with deep involvement in the development of the GRETINA gamma-ray spectrometer, a cutting-edge tool for studying nuclear photon emissions. She investigates isotopes far from stability, such as ⁴⁰Mg, to understand how nuclear shapes and configurations evolve under extreme neutron-to-proton ratios.

Dr. Crawford earned her Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry from Michigan State University in 2010, following undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with top honours. She completed postdoctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory before joining Ohio University in 2014. She is also a member of the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (INPP).

Her scientific contributions are characterized by international collaboration and experimental innovation. Although no formal list of publications or awards is currently accessible, her research narrative highlights significant findings, such as the first evidence of an American football-shaped ⁴⁰Mg nucleus from a minimal number of observed events.

She is actively involved in mentoring and research training, though no specific students are named. Her work includes future directions in gamma-ray detection and exotic beam experiments. Outside of research, she maintains a strong connection to her Canadian roots, including a passion for ice hockey and the Vancouver Canucks.