Laura DeGroot

Dr. Laura DeGroot is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the College of Wooster, specializing in extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology. She earned her Ph.D. (2015) and M.S. (2011) from the University of California, Riverside, following a B.S. from Michigan State University (2009).

Her research centers on galaxy morphology and evolutionary patterns, utilizing advanced telescopic data analysis techniques. She employs tools like GALFIT for decomposition studies of galactic structures across cosmic time, with particular interest in halo characterization and multi-component systems.

Dr. DeGroot mentors significant undergraduate research through the College's Independent Study program, guiding projects on topics ranging from galactic structure analysis to dark matter distribution. Her recent publications contribute to major astrophysical surveys including HERON and CANDELS.

Courses taught include First Year Seminar: Physics Revolutions, Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies, Classical Mechanics, and Astrophysics, emphasizing observational techniques and theoretical frameworks.