Lee Spitler

Lee Spitler is an Associate Professor at Macquarie University's Australian Astronomical Optics, leading space-related projects such as the Huntsman Telescope and the SkyHopper Space Telescope. His research focuses on observational astronomy, galaxy evolution, and instrumentation development. He heads the Huntsman Telescope project, utilizing off-the-shelf consumer cameras and lenses, and is the principal investigator of the Australian Space Eye initiative merged into the SkyHopper mission. Spitler has held roles including Australian Astronomy Limited's Optical Telescope Advisory Committee member (2017-2018) and Elected Council Member of the Astronomical Society of Australia (2013-2017).

His research interests span galaxy formation, high-redshift observations, and innovative telescope technologies. Key projects include the KNTraP transient search program and the ZFIRE spectroscopic survey of galaxies in rich environments at z~2. His work emphasizes developing cost-effective solutions for space-based and ground-based astronomy.

Notable awards include the Faculty Excellence Award (2021) and Macquarie Research Excellence Prize for Early Career Researcher of the Year (2015). He has led 14+ projects, including CubeSat platforms and thermal imaging payloads, and contributed to over 150 research outputs. Spitler collaborates internationally, with recent studies on Hα emitters, cosmic reionization, and the structural properties of distant galaxies.