Veronica Dexheimer

Veronica Dexheimer is a Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for Nuclear Research at Kent State University. Her research focuses on theoretical nuclear/particle astrophysics, particularly dense and hot matter in compact stars such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, proto-neutron stars, and stellar mergers. She investigates effects of extreme magnetic fields and exotic particles like hyperons and deconfined quarks. Dr. Dexheimer leads collaborations including MUSES, NP3M, and the FRIB Theory Alliance. Her academic background includes a PhD from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University (Frankfurt, Germany), and MS/BS degrees from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil).

Her research interests span astrophysics, nuclear physics, high-energy physics, multi-messenger astronomy, and hadron physics. She directs the Center for Nuclear Research, fostering interdisciplinary work on dense matter theory. Recent projects explore phase transitions in neutron-star mergers and the interplay between magnetic fields and exotic matter phases. Her work bridges astrophysical observations with nuclear physics models, contributing to gravitational wave and heavy-ion collision studies.

Dr. Dexheimer’s advising and grants support computational tools like the MUSES engine for neutron-star modeling. She collaborates internationally on projects such as CompOSE, which harmonizes equations of state for astrophysical applications. Ongoing efforts include studying quark deconfinement, twin stars, and magnetic field-induced deformations in hybrid stars.