Seth Redfield

Seth Redfield is a tenured Associate Professor of Astronomy at the Wesleyan University since 2015, with prior service as Assistant Professor (2008-2015). His research spans exoplanetary atmospheres, the local interstellar medium (LISM), edge-on debris disks, and cool star atmospheres, leveraging high-resolution spectroscopy from instruments like Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based facilities. He has contributed to major surveys such as MUSCLES Treasury Survey and developed open-access tools like the LIC Model Column Density Calculator and LISM Kinematic Calculator.

• Education: Ph.D. in Astrophysics (2003, University of Colorado), B.M. in Theoretical Studies (1998, New England Conservatory of Music), B.S. in Physics and Astrophysics (1998, Tufts University).

Redfield's research on exoplanet atmospheres includes pioneering ground-based detection of HD189733b's atmosphere (2008) and studies of extended hydrogen envelopes around hot Jupiters. His LISM work focuses on 3D mapping of interstellar gas/dust near the Sun, with implications for heliospheric structure and cosmic ray flux. He has also investigated edge-on debris disks (e.g., HD32297) to understand planet-forming systems and cool star atmospheres via UV coronal forbidden lines and magnetic field studies (e.g., HD1237).

His 15 most recent publications (2016-2008) highlight his leadership in exoplanet atmospheric characterization, LISM dynamics, and debris disk analysis. Awards include Hubble Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005-2008) and McDonald Observatory Harlan J. Smith Fellowship (2003-2005).

Redfield's research group includes 34 students/postdocs, such as Azmain Nisak (2022-present), Jessica Tarnas (2016), and Wilson Cauley (2014-2017), many of whom have pursued advanced degrees or careers at institutions like MIT, Caltech, and NASA.