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cover of episode 809: Bright Researcher Studying Exoplanets and their Stars and Developing New Astrophysics Technology - Dr. Kevin France

809: Bright Researcher Studying Exoplanets and their Stars and Developing New Astrophysics Technology - Dr. Kevin France

2025/4/21
logo of podcast People Behind the Science Podcast Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers

People Behind the Science Podcast Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers

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我主要研究太阳系外的行星系统,探索地球的形成、演变以及其在银河系行星系统中的位置,最终目标是解答“我们是否孤独”的问题。我的研究包括理论研究和实验技术开发两方面,旨在开发能够解答这些问题的技术。 我目前最感兴趣的项目是LUVOIR望远镜项目,它将能够探测类地行星大气中生命迹象,这将帮助我们解答‘我们是否孤独’这一终极问题。 此外,我还参与了CUTE立方体卫星项目,该项目旨在观测系外行星大气逃逸现象,这对于我们理解行星的形成和演化至关重要。 科研问题选择是一个有机过程,随着研究深入,直觉会指引你找到重要的研究方向。从被动接受研究方向到主动决策,这标志着我的科研生涯的成熟。

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Dr. Kevin France is an Assistant Professor in the Department for Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences as well as an investigator within the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Kevin’s research focuses on improving our understanding of planetary systems outside of our own solar system. His research helps determine how the earth was formed, how it came to look the way it does, and how it fits into the broader perspective of planetary systems throughout the galaxy. Kevin also does laboratory and space mission work to develop the technology that will allow them to answer these questions. Kevin spends his free time enjoying an outdoor lifestyle living in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. His hobbies include hiking, skiing, biking, trail running, and spending time with his wife and 9-month old baby. He received his bachelor's degree in Physics and Astronomy from Boston University, and he was awarded his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Johns Hopkins University. Afterwards, Kevin conducted research as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto. He next worked as a Research Associate and Fellow at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and during this time, Kevin was awarded the NASA Nancy Grace Roman Technology Fellowship. Kevin joined us to chat about his work as well as his life outside the lab.