Kaley Brauer - About

Computational Astrophysicist

I study galaxy formation and the astrophysical origins of heavy elements using high-resolution simulations. My specialty is the smallest, earliest galaxies that merged into the Milky Way throughout cosmic time.

I am currently at Harvard University as an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow! Previously, I received my Physics Ph.D. from MIT.

When I am not doing research, I enjoy science outreach, dancing, art, hiking, and bicycling.

CV: view here
EMAIL: kaley.brauer@cfa.harvard.edu

IN THE NEWS

	UChicago News: Scientists find one of the most ancient stars that formed in another galaxy Mar 20, 2024: Press release for paper my collaborators and I published that identifies ancient stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud. One star has a unique signature, implying it may have formed after a single supernova.
	MIT Physics: Student Profile on Kaley Brauer PhD ’23 Sep 1, 2023: Featured student in the 2023-2024 annual MIT Physics Journal including an interview about my research and art.
	Brown University: Two Recent Physics Undergraduates Receive NSF Awards May 16, 2023: Article from Brown University Physics about the NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral awards received by myself and another recent graduate.
	Tähdet ja avaruus: Interview about Comet ZTF February 15, 2023: Article in the Finnish astronomy magazine Tähdet ja avaruus (Stars and Space) about Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), the early solar system, and the early Milky Way.
	SETI Institute: Checking in on the future of SETI science December 13, 2022: Article giving updates on the current work being done by former SETI Institute interns.
	DOE: "Studying the Tiniest, Oldest Galaxies" July 18, 2022: Recording of my presentation to the US Department of Energy CSGF (Computational Science Graduate Fellowship) Program Review. The Department of Energy funded my thesis work at MIT.
	LBL: Berkeley Lab Hosts 11 CSGF Fellows September 14, 2021: Article highlighting recent work done by DOE CSGF fellows at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. My practicum work focuses on simulating neutron star merger ejecta to learn about the distributions of heavy elements in the galaxy.
	Sky & Telescope: Metal-Poor Stars Shed Light on Origin of Gold June 2, 2021: Article highlighting my recent research on the collapse of massive stars as a possible source of heavy metals in the early Universe.
	Big Think: "I'll Finish It This Week" And Other Lies April 8, 2021: Article covering my arXiv April Fools paper, "I'll Finish It This Week" And Other Lies, which analyzes the differences between expections and reality in academic work. See also PhD and Productivity's video coverage.
	The Tech: Simulating Galactic Formation July 1, 2020: MIT Tech article highlighting the work my research group does to simulate the formation of the Milky Way and other similarly-sized galaxies.
	A Catalyst for Success June 7, 2019: Article describing the innovative STEM project conceived by Catalyst that pairs volunteer STEM professionals with middle school classrooms. I worked with a 7th grade class to teach introductory computer science.
	The Eagle Newspaper: Research Spotlight February 8, 2019: Article in my hometown newspaper, The Eagle, discussing how and why I do astrophysics research. The Eagle covers news for the area around Bryan and College Station, Texas.
	MIT News: CSG Fellowship October 19, 2018: MIT news article about the Department of Energy's Computational Science Graduate Fellowship being awarded to four MIT graduate students, including myself. See also my MIT Physics spotlight.

Enjoy some of my astrophotography!

M27 (Dumbbell Nebula)

M42 (Orion Nebula)

The Moon (taken with a cell phone)