Jason Rowe

Jason Rowe is a Full Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Exoplanet Astrophysics at Bishop's University's Department of Physics and Astronomy since 2017, renewed in 2022. His research focuses on discovering and characterizing exoplanets to understand planetary formation diversity and identify Earth-like worlds.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia (2007)
• M.Sc. in Astronomy, University of British Columbia (2003)
• B.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy, University of Toronto (2000)

Dr. Rowe's research centers on exoplanet detection through transit photometry, statistical validation of planetary candidates, and characterization of planetary properties (mass, radius, density, atmosphere). He develops advanced data analysis techniques for space missions like Kepler, K2, and JWST to measure fundamental parameters of exoplanets and determine conditions for habitable worlds. His work bridges observational astronomy with planetary science to address whether Earth-like planets exist elsewhere in the galaxy.

Publication trends show consistent focus on Kepler mission data analysis from 2008-2017, evolving from initial exoplanet detections (MOST satellite) to statistical validation of multi-planet systems and atmospheric characterization. His work demonstrates progression from single-planet studies to population-level analyses, emphasizing photometric time-series methods and instrumental calibration for space-based observatories.

Scientific Awards:

• Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Exoplanet Astrophysics (2017)
• NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal (2016) for Determining What Makes a Planet Earth-like
• NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal (2011) for Validation of 800+ Transiting Extrasolar Planets

Dr. Rowe advises graduate students through Honours Research Dissertation (PHY480) and Graduate Seminar (PHY580) courses at Bishop's University. His research is funded through the Canada Research Chair program and NASA grants supporting Kepler mission analysis and JWST instrumentation development, with historical funding from the NASA Postdoctoral Program and SETI Institute.

He leads collaborative teams across NASA Ames Research Center's Kepler Science Office, SETI Institute's exoplanet research group, and Université de Montréal's JWST NIRISS Instrument team, developing data reduction pipelines and validation frameworks for international space missions.