SWiS scientists and professors: In conversation with Dr. Kristen McQuinn, a well-renowned Astrophysicist and Professor

Dr. Kristen McQuinn is an Assistant Prof. of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University. In this episode, Dr. McQuinn and I chat about her non-traditional path to Astrophysics, her experience in graduate school as a mother of two young children, her insights on some experiences along the way, and her advice for aspiring students.

Dr. McQuinn earned her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at Lehigh University. After working in the industry for 9 years, she applied for graduate school and completed her PhD in Astrophysics at the University of Minnesota in 2010. She stayed as a postdoc at UMN for 5 years and then worked as a Research Scientist at University of Texas at Austin before joining her current role.

Dr. McQuinn’s science interests are focused on the formation and history of low-mass galaxies, predominantly in the nea ...