Kim McLeod

Kim McLeod is a Professor of Astronomy and the Louise Sherwood McDowell and Sarah Frances Whiting Professor in Astrophysics at Wellesley College. She serves as Director of the Whitin Observatory and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Her work spans observational astronomy, exoplanet research, and public outreach.

Education:

• B.A., Cornell University
• Ph.D., University of Arizona

McLeod’s research focuses on exoplanet transit measurements, galaxy evolution, and the interplay between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. She has utilized advanced telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope and Magellan to study protoplanetary disks, brown dwarfs, and Near-Earth Objects. Her team collaborates with NASA’s TESS mission for exoplanet discovery.

Current projects include exoplanet characterization using Wellesley’s 0.7m telescope and refining observational techniques for planetary systems. Her career highlights the discovery of a protoplanetary disk and potential giant planets around young stars, as well as foundational work on the black hole-bulge relation.

Scientific Awards:

• Radcliffe Institute Fellow
• Louise Sherwood McDowell and Sarah Frances Whiting Professor in Astrophysics

McLeod mentors students through hands-on research in courses like ASTR 206, where undergraduates use the campus telescope for independent projects. She has taught introductory astronomy for decades and emphasizes data analysis and astronomical literature in her courses.

She is deeply involved in public astronomy outreach, volunteering at schools, organizing star parties, and training educators. Her work underscores the importance of accessible science education and community engagement.

Labs & Teams:

• Director of Whitin Observatory
• TESS Follow-up Observing Program (FOP) collaborator
• Former KFUN collaborator on the KELT project