Ellen Zweibel

Ellen Zweibel is the W. L. Kraushaar Professor of Astronomy and Physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she has been a faculty member since 2003. She holds a joint appointment in the Department of Astronomy and Physics. Zweibel earned her undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Chicago and her Ph.D. in Astrophysical Sciences from Princeton University.

Her research focuses on plasma astrophysics, particularly the evolution of astrophysical magnetic fields, cosmic ray feedback in galactic and intergalactic environments, and stellar differential rotation dynamics. Recent work examines cosmic ray interactions with the interstellar medium, magnetic instabilities in galaxy clusters, and turbulence-driven dynamo processes.

Zweibel's publications highlight collaborations on missions like HelioSwarm and SOFIA/HAWC+, including the discovery of a magnetized dust ring in the Galactic Center. She leads NSF-funded research on microscale plasma processes in high-beta environments and contributes to understanding magnetic reconnection across astrophysical contexts.