Justin Peterkin ’21

Justin Peterkin ’21 (College of Staten Island) is always looking up. During the summer of 2018 he was selected to participate in a rigorous, eight-week astrophysics research experience at the American Museum of Natural History. His time there solidified a passion for the science. And in the fall he was accepted into the AstroCom NYC fellows program, supported by the National Science Foundation Partnerships in Astronomy and Astrophysics Research and Education.

While at the museum, Justin studied post starburst galaxies and their connection to galaxy evolution. The post starburst phase is a critical evolutionary process that describes how a galaxy transitions from being actively star forming, to quiescent and inactive.

His research mentor, Dr. Charles Liu tells us that in the course of his work, Justin presented his research in a mini-talk at the Astronomical Society of New York’s 50th Anniversary meeting. He also worked with other CSI students on this project, and also with students at other schools like Stevens, Cornell, and Columbia Universities.

Justin summed up the experience: “Attending the Astronomical Society of New York’s 50th Anniversary meeting at AMNH introduced me to a passionate network of researchers, professors, and innovators that are invested in offering the knowledge and support needed to advance scientific thought, and encourage new research.”