Sarah Dodson-Robinson

Sarah Dodson-Robinson is a Professor of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Delaware, part of the College of Arts & Sciences. She joined UD in 2014 and holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2008) and a B.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology (2002). Her research focuses on observational and theoretical astrophysics, particularly planet formation mechanisms, exoplanet detection, and frequency-domain analysis of stellar activity. She develops advanced statistical methods to analyze time-series data from telescopes and spacecraft, addressing challenges like stellar variability in exoplanet searches.

Her work spans protoplanetary disks, debris disks, and the interplay between planetary systems and their host stars. Notable contributions include studies on dust dynamics in disks, the role of magnetized turbulence in disk evolution, and the use of spectral line diagnostics to identify planetary signals. She collaborates with NASA missions and leads projects like the EXPRES Stellar Signals initiative, aiming to refine radial velocity techniques.

Publications highlight her expertise in analyzing binary star systems, detecting Earth-mass exoplanets, and modeling giant planet formation. Her research bridges astrophysics and data science, with applications to upcoming NASA missions targeting exoplanet habitability.