Joel Kastner

Joel Kastner is a Professor at the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and the School of Physics & Astronomy at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He founded RIT's laboratory for Multiwavelength Astrophysics and previously held roles at MIT, including a Bantrell Postdoc at Haystack Radio Observatory and staff scientist at the Chandra X-ray Science Center.

• Education: BS from the University of Maryland; MS and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of California, Los Angeles (1990).

Research Interests: Focus on stellar evolution, spanning star and planet formation to late stages of stellar death. His work involves multi-wavelength astrophysical observations (radio to X-ray) and advanced image processing techniques. Recent projects include 3D structural analysis of the Ring Nebula and Southern Ring Nebula, revealing insights into binary star interactions and planetary system formation.

• Scientific Recognition: Named a AAS Legacy Fellow (2020), and serves as Chair of the AAS Committee on Employment.

Teaching: Instructs advanced astrophysics courses such as Stellar Atmospheres & Evolution and Fundamental Astrophysics I, guiding graduate and doctoral research at RIT. His work bridges observational astronomy, theoretical modeling, and imaging science.