David A. Neufeld

David A. Neufeld is a Professor in the William H. Miller III Department of Physics & Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), part of the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and specializes in theoretical astrophysics, molecular astrophysics, and interstellar medium (ISM) studies. His research utilizes advanced observatories like the Herschel Space Observatory and SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), focusing on molecular line emission, cosmic ray ionization rates, and hydride molecules in diffuse clouds.

Key projects include leading the HyGAL SOFIA Legacy Program to study hydrides in the Galactic ISM and participating in Herschel’s HEXOS, PRISMAS, and WISH Guaranteed Time programs. Neufeld has developed experimental methods to constrain sexaquark dark matter and contributed to the discovery of the helium hydride ion (HeH+) in planetary nebulae. He is also involved in GUSTO, a terahertz spectroscopic mission mapping [CII] and [NII] emissions.

His research integrates observational astronomy with theoretical models, exploring topics like protostellar outflows, water ice chemistry, and shock dynamics. He has published extensively on infrared/submillimeter spectroscopy, molecular ion abundances, and the role of cosmic rays in interstellar chemistry. Neufeld’s work bridges laboratory experiments (e.g., dissociative recombination studies) with astrophysical observations, advancing understanding of the ISM and star formation processes.