Jacob Isbell

Jacob Isbell is a Researcher at the Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, where he joined in January 2024 to collaborate with Dr. Steve Ertel on developing and supporting LBT Interferometric observations. His research focuses on active galactic nuclei (AGN) dynamics at sub-parsec scales, particularly exploring the interplay between AGN and their host galaxies using dust emission to trace gas inflows and outflows.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. from the University of Heidelberg in 2022, where his work with the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy involved studying nearby AGN using the VLTI/MATISSE instrument for subparsec-scale imaging.

Jacob’s research interests include optical/NIR interferometry, black hole-host galaxy connections, and galaxy evolution. He is currently engaged in advancing observational techniques to understand AGN feedback mechanisms and their role in cosmic structure formation.

His academic background includes postdoctoral and collaborative efforts at leading institutions, contributing to the development of interferometric tools for high-resolution astrophysical studies.