Juliette Becker

Juliette Becker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads the ExoDyn research group. Her work focuses on planetary system dynamics and formation, with affiliations including the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR) for interdisciplinary collaborations in astrochemistry and astrobiology.

Education

• Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of Michigan (supported by NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and Leinweber Fellowship)
• 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellow at Caltech

Research Focus

Becker investigates the dynamical evolution of planetary systems through three primary themes: 1) Protoplanetary disk-to-mature system transitions involving planetary migration mechanisms, 2) Habitability impacts of tidal heating and stellar evolution in white dwarf systems, and 3) Characterization of anomalous exoplanet architectures that challenge formation theories. Her group employs computational dynamics to model system evolution across cosmic timescales.

Publication Trends

Her research output demonstrates consistent focus on extreme planetary systems, with recent work expanding into tidal effects on habitable zones. Publications emphasize dynamical modeling of exoplanet architectures, solar system outliers, and habitability constraints, blending theoretical astrophysics with observational validations.

Awards

• 51 Pegasi b Fellowship (Caltech)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
• Leinweber Center for Theoretical Physics Fellowship

Advising and Projects

Mentors 15+ students including PhD candidates, undergraduates, and post-bac researchers, several leading first-author publications. Directs a NASA-funded project mapping 3D orbital architectures of exoplanet systems to study climate impacts. Hosts the Great Lakes Exoplanet Area Meeting (GLEAM).

Laboratory

Leads the ExoDyn research group specializing in planetary dynamics, with active projects on disk evolution, tidal heating models, and habitability frameworks. Collaborates with gravitational wave researchers and astrochemists through WiCOR.