Kathy Cooksey

Current Position: NSF Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research Research Interests: I study the cosmic web at high and low redshift, by using background quasars to probe the foreground gaseous structure in absorption. I work to characterize the cosmic enrichment cycle through the signatures etched into the processed gas and reflected in its metallicity, elemental abundances, density and/or spatial distribution. Education: Ph.D. Astronomy & Astrophysics, UC Santa Cruz, September 2009 M.S. Astronomy & Astrophysics, UC Santa Cruz, June 2005 B.S. Physics, Valparaiso University, Indiana, May 2003 Beavercreek High School, Ohio, June 1999 Hobbies: Whenever possible, I play soccer. Failing that, I like running and hiking. On the more sedentary side, I crochet and watch anime.

Catwalk at Las Campanas Observatory. Having a little fun in the 40 mph winds (May 2012). Photo by Amanda Zangari.