Rachel Bezanson

Rachel Bezanson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh. She leads observational studies of galaxy evolution using multiwavelength surveys like LEGA-C and SQuIGGLE, focusing on massive galaxy quenching mechanisms and structural evolution. Her work employs JWST/NIRSpec and ALMA observations to probe high-redshift galaxies. She co-leads the UNCOVER Treasury Program, which investigates first-light galaxies and reionization processes via Abell 2744 lensing observations. Her research integrates gravitational lensing analysis, stellar population modeling, and spectroscopic data to understand galaxy formation over cosmic time.

Key projects include the LEGA-C survey (3000 massive galaxies at z~1), the SQuIGGLE study of post-starburst galaxies, and the UNCOVER program's ultradeep JWST imaging/spectroscopy. She collaborates with international teams to publish on topics like AGN activity in high-redshift quiescent galaxies, mass-metallicity relations, and dust properties of lensed systems. Current advisees include Yasha Kaushal, Yunchong Zhang, and Julissa Sarmiento. Research outputs span 25+ refereed papers since 2022, with 3 major data releases from the UNCOVER collaboration.

Her group's work has revealed insights about quenching mechanisms, reionization photon sources, and galaxy structural evolution within mass fundamental planes. Techniques employed include detailed lens model analyses, PRISM spectroscopy of >700 galaxies, and multiwavelength photometric catalogs combining NIRCam/MegaScience observations. Team affiliations include Swinburne University, STScI, and Yale University.