Anna Frebel

Anna Frebel is a Professor of Physics and Division Head for Astrophysics at MIT. Her research focuses on observational stellar astrophysics, particularly studying the oldest, metal-poor stars and dwarf galaxies to understand the early universe's chemical and physical conditions. She leads the Frebel Research Group and collaborates with the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research and the Magellan Telescopes Consortium.

Education:

• PhD in Astrophysics from Australian National University (2007)
• Postdoctoral positions at University of Texas (2006-2008) and Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (2009-2012)

Her work bridges observations with cosmological simulations, using Magellan telescopes for high-resolution spectroscopy. Key interests include r-process nucleosynthesis, first stars/galaxies, and galactic archaeology.

Awards Overview:

• APS Fellow (2022)
• NSF CAREER Award (2013)
• AAS Annie Jump Cannon Award (2010)

Her advising and grants include MIT's Earll Murman Award (2019) and multiple international fellowships. She leads the Frebel Research Group and contributes to public science communication through lectures, articles, and her book Searching for the Oldest Stars.