Kat Barger

Kat Barger is an Associate Professor at Texas Christian University (TCU) in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. A scientist and educator, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and astronomy while leading a research group focused on understanding galaxy evolution through the study of gas flows, galactic winds, and star formation processes. Her team collaborates with institutions such as the Space Telescope Science Institute and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, utilizing data from the Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observatories like the Green Bank Telescope.

• Galaxy Evolution
• Gas Flows in Galaxies
• Star Formation
• Galactic Winds
• Hydrodynamical Simulations
• Spectroscopy

Barger’s research investigates how galaxies interact with their environments, including the recycling of gas via galactic fountains, gravitational tides, and the impact of ionizing radiation on cosmic structures. Current projects include mapping the Large Magellanic Cloud’s galactic wind through the Hubble Legacy Archive’s ULLYSES program and studying the Smith Cloud’s dissolution in the Milky Way. Her group employs UV absorption-line spectroscopy, optical/radio emission-line observations, and radiative transfer models.

Students joining her team—from high school to graduate levels—engage in hands-on research using advanced observational data and computational simulations. Past members, such as Dr. Drew Ciampa and Dr. Jing Sun, have transitioned to postdoctoral and industry roles, highlighting the interdisciplinary training provided. Barger’s work is supported by grants like the Hubble Legacy Archive Program, enabling novel studies of galactic ecosystems beyond the Milky Way.