Zack Hutchens

Zack Hutchens is an astrophysicist interested in galaxy evolution and cosmic structure growth. To investigate the changing demographics and environments of galaxies over cosmic time, Zack applies tools from statistics and data science to large “surveys” of thousands of galaxies. These surveys are based on data from several state-of-the-art observatories including NASA’s flagship James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and South Africa’s 64-antenna MeerKAT radio telescope. Recent projects include (1) quantifying the distribution of radio-detected cold hydrogen gas within galaxy groups in the local Universe, (2) developing computer algorithms to identify galaxy groups, and (3) measuring the sizes and structures of more than 100,000 galaxies detected in deep space-based infrared imaging.

After completing his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Zack served as a Postdoctoral Research & Teaching Fellow at the University of North Carolina Asheville. In this role, he led scientific analyses using JWST data, taught undergraduate astronomy courses, and mentored undergraduates in both teaching and research capacities. His previous research students have reached multiple scientific achievements including winning funded research fellowships and presenting at local and national research meetings.

As a first-year Assistant Professor at Elon, Zack is teaching physics and astronomy and developing an active, student-centered research program. He is passionate about interactive-engagement teaching, physics education, and undergraduate research mentorship.