Karin Öberg

Karin Öberg is a Professor of Astronomy at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, where she explores astrochemical processes influencing star and planet formation. Her research integrates laboratory ice experiments, millimeter-wavelength observations, and astrochemical theory.

Research Interests

• Chemical evolution of interstellar ices
• Formation of complex organic molecules
• Sulfur chemistry in protoplanetary disks
• UV photodesorption mechanisms
• Isotopic fractionation in astrophysical environments

Recent Publications

Her recent work focuses on molecular line diagnostics in disks, sulfur molecule distributions, and photodesorption processes in CO/N₂/O₂ ices. Studies include ALMA observations of CS isotopologues and UV irradiation experiments on methanol-rich ices.

Awards

• Harnack Lecture (2022)
• Recognized for astrochemistry dissertation mentorship (2025)

Laboratory

The Öberg Astrochemistry Group investigates chemical complexity in space and its implications for planetary composition. The lab develops molecular probes for astrophysical phenomena and studies sulfur chemistry in disks.