Gail Zasowski

Gail Zasowski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah, where she has worked since 2017. Her research focuses on Galactic astronomy, particularly the structure, dynamics, and chemical evolution of the Milky Way and similar galaxies.

• B.S. in Physics, University of Tennessee
• M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Astronomy, University of Virginia

Her research leverages high-resolution spectroscopy and large datasets to study Galactic stellar populations, interstellar medium (ISM) components like diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), and the chemical enrichment history of galaxies. She has contributed to projects such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V, where she served as Scientific Spokesperson, and runs the department's undergraduate peer-mentoring program, the PANDA Network.

Recent publications highlight work on Galactic disk/bulge stellar populations, ISM dynamics, and Milky Way analogs. She has received prestigious fellowships, including the NSF Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Barry M. Lasker Data Science Research Fellowship. Her commitment to mentoring and public outreach underscores her holistic educational philosophy.