Mark Henriksen

Mark Henriksen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), within the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park (1985), an M.M. in Music from the Catholic University of America (2001), and a B.S. in Physics from UCLA (1977). Before joining UMBC in 1999, he served as an Associate Professor at the University of North Dakota and a Visiting Assistant Professor at UCLA, with postdoctoral work at the Space Telescope Science Institute focusing on the Hubble Space Telescope.

His research focuses on high-energy astrophysics, particularly the formation of large-scale structures like galaxy clusters, superclusters, and filaments. He studies energetic collisions producing plasma and relativistic particles, using X-ray signatures to probe cosmic phenomena. Notable contributions include work on the Joint Center for Astrophysics, establishing an astronomy minor at UMBC, and editing a special journal issue on high-energy emission from clusters.

His publications span decades, addressing topics such as cluster mergers, nonthermal emission, and dark x-ray galaxies. Key awards include the NSF Early Career Award and NASA recognitions. Beyond research, Henriksen has advised students and secured significant grants, including a $6M budget for collaborative NASA/UMBC initiatives.

• Awards: NASA Group Achievement Award (Hubble Team), NSF Early Career Award
• Grants: $6M NASA/UMBC Joint Center for Astrophysics
• Labs/Teams: Henriksen Astrophysics Group, UMBC telescope operations