About
William J. Forrest is a Professor of Astronomy, specializing in infrared astronomy and detector technology. He holds a BS from Antioch College (1968) and a PhD from the University of California, San Diego (1974). His career includes research roles at UC San Diego (1974–75) and Cornell University (1975–81) before joining his current institution in 1981 as an Assistant Professor, advancing to Professor in 1999.
His research focuses on infrared astronomy, including dust dynamics in interstellar environments, star formation processes, and brown dwarf investigations. He develops advanced infrared detector arrays for ground-based and space observatories, contributing to instruments like MIRAC-5 and SOFIA. His work spans exoplanet detection, protoplanetary disk studies, and silicate composition analysis in stars and nebulae.
Recent publications highlight advancements in HgCdTe detector arrays for mid-IR astronomy, planetary defense applications, and studies of gases in young stellar systems. He has contributed to collaborative projects involving the Spitzer and SOFIA telescopes, advancing observational techniques for star formation and interstellar medium studies.
No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. His contributions include instrumental development and observational astronomy, with a focus on bridging detector technology with astrophysical discovery.
