Massimo Marengo

Massimo Marengo is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Florida State University (FSU). As a stellar astrophysicist, he specializes in observational studies of variable stars, extrasolar planetary systems, and the structure of the universe. His research leverages data from NASA, National Science Foundation, and European Southern Observatory facilities.

• Education
• Ph.D. in Astrophysics (2000), International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), Trieste, Italy
• Laurea cum Laude in Physics (1993), University of Torino, Italy

His research spans three main areas: precise cosmic distance determination using variable stars, stellar population analysis, and extrasolar planetary system characterization. He contributes to understanding dust production in primitive environments, Galactic halo formation, and the chemical composition of RR Lyrae stars through multi-wavelength surveys like GALAH and DUSTiNGS.

Recent publications focus on RR Lyrae period-luminosity relations, dust dynamics in symbiotic systems, and JWST-based studies of metal-poor galaxies. Key facilities include Gaia, Spitzer, and Rubin/LSST.

• Scientific Awards
• Iowa State University LAS Award for Teaching (2022)
• Iowa State University Mid-Career Achievement in Research (2015)
• NASA Group Achievement Award for Spitzer Telescope (2004)
• Smithsonian Institution Predoctoral Fellowship (1997)
• SISSA/ISAS Full Graduate Fellowship (1994)

Marengo serves as Iowa State University representative to AURA (2016-2022) and co-chair of NASA SAG-10 Galactic Processes. He reviews proposals for NASA's Hubble, SOFIA, and Spitzer programs, and NSF's AST and Mid-Scale Innovations. His work appears in The Astrophysical Journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, and other journals.