Zhang Ke

Zhang Ke is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on understanding planet formation processes through the study of circumstellar disks, employing molecular line observations and numerical simulations to investigate gas and dust distributions in young planetary systems.

Education background:

• Ph.D. in Astrophysics from California Institute of Technology (2015)
• M.S. in Astrophysics from Beijing Normal University (2008)
• B.S. in Astronomy from Beijing Normal University (2005)

Her research examines three fundamental questions: the evolution of chemical inventories in planet-forming disks, processes determining planetary compositions, and characterization of terrestrial planet zones. She uses advanced telescopes including ALMA, NOEMA, and JWST to probe physical and chemical processes in protoplanetary environments.

Recent publications (2021-2024) predominantly focus on protoplanetary disk chemistry and structure through the MAPS collaboration. Research trends include: disk size evolution, gas mass measurements using novel tracers, chemical substructures in young systems, and multiwavelength continuum analysis. Over 15 recent articles demonstrate consistent focus on disk physics and chemistry evolution.

Scientific awards and honors:

• Hubble Fellowship (2017)
• Sagan Fellowship (declined, 2017)
• ALMA Postdoctoral Ambassador (2017)
• Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad (2015)
• AAS International Travel Grant (2015)
• Meyerson Travel Grant (2014)

She leads an active research group advising multiple students and postdocs. Major grants include:

• ALMA Large Program AGE-PRO (103 hours observing time)
• JWST Proposal 'Population Study of Chemistry in Embedded Disks' (68.5 hours)
• NSF Grant 'The Evolution of Gas in Protoplanetary Disks'
• Research Forward Grant for exoplanet habitability studies

Her group utilizes the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR) interdisciplinary collaboration and maintains active observing programs with major international facilities including ALMA, NOEMA, and JWST.