Andrew Vanderburg

Andrew Vanderburg is the Bruno B. Rossi Career Development Assistant Professor of Physics at MIT, affiliated with the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. His research focuses on exoplanet detection and characterization using advanced observational techniques and machine learning methods. He leads a team leveraging ground-based telescopes (e.g., Magellan Telescopes) and space observatories (e.g., TESS and JWST) to study planetary systems beyond our solar system.

Education:

• B.A. in Physics and Astrophysics from University of California, Berkeley (2013)
• Ph.D. in Astronomy from Harvard University (2017)

Research Interests: Prof. Vanderburg explores exoplanet properties, such as composition and atmospheric characteristics, to determine their habitability potential. He develops cutting-edge tools like deep neural networks to enhance detection efficiency and extract scientific insights from observational data. His work addresses fundamental questions about Earth-like planets and their prevalence in the galaxy.

Articles Trends: His publications span exoplanet detection around white dwarfs, disintegrating minor planets, and precision photometry techniques for space missions. These works highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining observational astronomy with computational methods to advance understanding of planetary systems.

• Awards & Honors:
  • 2024: Sloan Research Fellow
  • 2024: Bruno B. Rossi Career Development Assistant Professor
  • 2023-2025: Committed to Caring (MIT)
  • 2018: NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal
  • 2017: NASA Sagan Fellowship

Advising & Grants: Andrew has held prestigious postdoctoral fellowships (e.g., NASA Sagan) and transitioned through academic roles at the University of Texas at Austin and University of Wisconsin-Madison before joining MIT. His current grants and affiliations support ongoing research into exoplanet habitability and machine learning applications.

Labs & Teams: His research group operates through labs linked at his website, collaborating with MIT’s Kavli Institute and leveraging state-of-the-art observational facilities.