Justin Crepp

Justin Crepp is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame, within the College of Science. His research focuses on experimental astrophysics, developing adaptive optics technologies for exoplanet detection and high-contrast imaging. He leads the iLocater project and has received prestigious awards including the NASA Early Career Fellowship and NSF Career Award.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Physics, Pennsylvania State University (2003)
• PhD in Astronomy, University of Florida (2008)
• Postdoctoral Scholar at California Institute of Technology (2008–2012)

Research Interests: Crepp designs instruments for large telescopes to study exoplanets and search for life. Key areas include precision spectroscopy, adaptive optics systems, and high-contrast imaging techniques. His work bridges experimental astrophysics with technological innovation to advance exoplanetary science.

Awards & Recognition:

• NASA Early Career Fellowship (2013)
• NSF Career Award (2017)
• National Guard's Patriot Award (2018)
• National Academies of Sciences Committee Member on Exoplanet Research (2018–)

Labs & Projects: Leads the iLocater initiative, a high-precision spectrometer for exoplanet detection. His research group collaborates on adaptive optics systems for next-generation telescopes. Active in shaping national exoplanet research priorities through committee work.