Ji Wang

Ji Wang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Astronomy at The Ohio State University. He is affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and leads research in exoplanet science, astrobiology, and astronomical instrumentation. His work focuses on planet formation mechanisms, atmospheric characterization of gas giants and rocky planets, and development of advanced observational techniques.

Education: Ph.D. (2012) and M.S. (2008) in Astronomy from the University of Florida; B.S. (2006) in Astrophysics from the University of Science and Technology of China.

Research Interests
Dr. Wang specializes in exoplanet atmospheres, planet formation timescales, and instrumentation for high-contrast imaging. His group develops novel methods for detecting biosignatures and studying planetary composition using ground-based telescopes and upcoming missions like JWST. Key projects include the LBT nulling spectroscopy program and the GSpec instrument redesign.

Awards
- NSF CAREER Award (2022)
- Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award (2025)
- Annie Maunder Medal (2022, team award)
- OSU President’s Research Excellence Accelerator Award (2021)

Teaching & Outreach
Teaches courses such as Astronomy Data Analysis and Planetary Science. Active in public engagement, including COSI science festivals and eclipse education initiatives. Mentors over 10 graduate and undergraduate students annually, many of whom have won prestigious fellowships like the NASA Hubble Fellowship.

Instrumentation
Leads development of the dual-aperture fiber nuller and GSpec instrument. Collaborates internationally on projects involving the LBT, HST, and future ELTs.