Rachel Bean

Rachel Bean is Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University and Senior Associate Dean for Math and Science. Her cosmology research focuses on dark energy properties, gravitational physics, and the early universe using cosmic microwave background and galaxy survey data. As co-recipient of the Gruber and Breakthrough prizes, she contributed to precision cosmology through the WMAP mission.

Research develops methods to extract cosmological information from large astrophysical datasets, including cross-correlation techniques between CMB experiments (Atacama Cosmology Telescope, Simons Observatory) and galaxy surveys (DESI, Rubin LSST). Current projects investigate modified gravity constraints using cluster abundances and novel statistical approaches to kSZ velocity reconstruction.

Publication themes include precision cosmology, gravity tests, and multi-messenger astrophysics. Recent work advances machine learning applications for cosmological inference, while earlier research established foundations in semiconductor device physics. Articles consistently demonstrate innovative approaches to cosmological parameter estimation and physical theory testing.

Awards: Gruber Prize (2012), Breakthrough Prize (2018), Presidential Early Career Award, and Cottrell Scholar Award. Leadership includes former chair of LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration and service on the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee.