Elisabeth Newton

Elisabeth Newton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College, where she leads a research group focused on stellar and exoplanet astrophysics. She holds a B.S. from the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Her research utilizes ground-based observatories (e.g., SALT, MDM) and space telescopes (e.g., TESS) to study stellar magnetic dynamos, exoplanet formation, and Galactic populations.

Her work spans stellar rotation-activity relationships, M dwarf characterization, and the discovery of young exoplanets through the THYME collaboration, where she serves as co-PI. Research interests include:

• Physics of stellar magnetic fields and angular momentum evolution
• Formation and atmospheric evolution of exoplanets around young stars
• Dynamics of stellar populations in the Milky Way

Her publications emphasize young planetary systems, stellar activity in low-mass stars, and spectroscopic methods. Recent work explores exoplanet atmospheric escape, cluster age dating, and multi-planet system dynamics, often leveraging large surveys and machine learning techniques.

Group members have received recognition including:

• LSST Data Science Fellowship (Rayna Rampalli, 2022)
• AAS International Travel Grant (Keighley Rockcliffe)
• Christopher Reed Science Competition 3rd Place (Jack Duranceau)

She mentors undergraduates through senior theses and advises graduate students on projects involving exoplanet detection, stellar spectroscopy, and Galactic archaeology. Research is supported by NASA TESS grants and collaborative programs.

The Newton Lab develops open-source tools for spectral analysis (e.g., nirew for equivalent widths) and coordinates the THYME collaboration, which combines multi-observatory data to study planetary system evolution.