Justin R. Crepp

Justin R. Crepp is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame and serves as the Faculty Director of the Exoplanet Discovery and Characterization Facility (EDCF). He leads research in developing advanced astronomical instruments and observational techniques for exoplanet detection and characterization. His work focuses on adaptive optics, high-contrast imaging, and precision spectrograph development to search for extraterrestrial life.

Education:

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

Research & Honors:

• Developed a novel adaptive-optics-enabled spectrograph, funded by a NASA Early Career Fellowship (2013)
• NSF Career Award (2017) for precision spectrograph innovation at the Large Binocular Telescope
• National Guard's Patriot Award (2018) for supporting citizen warriors
• Member of the National Academies of Sciences committee guiding exoplanet research through 2030

Advising & Grants:

• Directed over 100 peer-reviewed publications
• Recipient of major research grants from NASA and NSF

Labs & Collaborations:

• Lead scientist for the iLocater project, a next-generation exoplanet detection instrument
• Featured in Notre Dame’s “What Would You Fight For?” campaign highlighting his exoplanet research