Jessica Werk

Jessica Werk is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Washington. She holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Michigan (2010) and a B.A. in Astronomy and Physics from Wesleyan University (2003). Her research focuses on the extended gaseous components of galaxies, particularly the ionized gas in galactic halos and disk-halo interfaces, using optical/ultraviolet spectroscopy from ground- and space-based telescopes. She collaborates with theorists to refine cosmological simulations (e.g., UW N-body shop models) and interpret observational data.

Her work explores galactic ecosystems, tracing baryonic cycling across stellar and intergalactic scales. She leads the SQuAD team, which emphasizes student-driven research in quasar absorption line analysis and cosmic origin studies. Not currently accepting new graduate students.

Outside academia, she enjoys mountain hiking, duplicate bridge, and singing Puccini arias with her dog.