About Me

My name is Jane Bright and I am currently a National Science Foundation MPS Ascend Postdoctoral Fellow in astronomy at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I earned my PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Arizona im December, 2024.

My research is in dynamical astrophysics. I study the orbital dynamics of stars around merging supermassive black holes using both analytic and N-body computational methods. I am particularly interested in the formation and evolution of eccentric nuclear disks of stars, with applications to the Andromeda galaxy (M31), and implications for enhanced tidal disruption rates in other galaxies.

I am also deeply committed to science communication and education. I hold a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and have developed educational tools, such as interactive simulations for the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram. I also explore the intersection of pop culture and science, currently working on projects that use the Harry Potter series to teach astronomical concepts.