Heather Wernke, PhD
About Me
In fall 2021, I joined the University of Mary as an Assistant Professor of Physics. Prior to this, I worked as a graduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder where I earned my PhD in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences. My undergraduate degree is in space physics and computational mathematics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. I grew up in Ohio and have loved astronomy for as long as I can remember.
Why I’m At MaryAs a Catholic astrophysicist, I frequently think about the importance for dialogue between faith and reason. The University of Mary is a great place to begin this dialogue. It is important to continue learning about how our universe works, fostering even deeper faith.
Expertise
My research focuses on stellar dynamics around supermassive black holes. Specifically, I study the dynamics of eccentric nuclear disks, the closest example being in the Andromeda galaxy (M31). This work can also be applied to the clustering of small, icy bodies in the outer solar system.
Education
PhD: University of Colorado — Boulder, 2021
MS: University of Colorado — Boulder, 2019
BS: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2016