Jillian Scudder

Jillian Scudder is an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Oberlin College, located in Oberlin, Ohio. Her research focuses on understanding galaxy evolution, particularly the role of galaxy collisions across cosmic time. She utilizes data from surveys like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Herschel Space Observatory to study both nearby and distant galaxies. Scudder is also deeply engaged in science communication, maintaining her Astroquizzical blog and authoring multiple popular science books, including Forty Ways to Know a Star, The Milky Way Smells of Rum & Raspberries, and the illustrated edition of Astroquizzical. She holds a BA from Macalester College (2009) and a PhD from the University of Victoria (2014).

Her research interests span gas-phase metallicities, star formation in interacting galaxies, and the environmental influences on galactic evolution. Scudder has secured significant grants, including an NSF RUI grant ($229,027), and her work has been recognized through awards like the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize nomination. She actively collaborates with students and has co-authored numerous papers, including studies on gas outflows and merger-induced star formation.

Scudder’s outreach efforts include media appearances on WWL Radio, interviews for WIRED and Nautilus, and public lectures such as the Bullitt Lecture at the University of Louisville. Her books emphasize making complex astrophysical concepts accessible to the general public, blending rigorous science with engaging storytelling.