In case you missed it, we’re delighted to share that astrophysics major and recent Columbia College graduate Lindsay Koo (‘26) received one of Columbia’s prestigious Euretta J. Kellett Fellowships. The University has been awarding this honor annually since 1932, enabling more than a hundred graduating seniors to pursue post-baccalaureate studies at either the Universities of Cambridge or Oxford. Lindsay has chosen to pursue an MPhil in Physics at Cambridge, where she will continue studying the early universe with Sandro Tacchella, Assistant Professor in Extragalactic Astrophysics.
Prior to this Kellett/Cambridge juncture, she worked on instrumentation development with Professor of Astronomy and co-director of the Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory (CAL), David Schiminovich. She also worked with Professor and Astronomy Chair Mary Putman on the complex galactic phenomenon known as the baryon cycle. Beyond Columbia, she conducted research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center with Dr. Ami Choi, preparing for the launch of the Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to take place on August 30.
We caught up with Lindsay in July to ask how she is spending her time before her program. She reported that since graduating in May, she’s been researching galactic halo evolution with Professor Putman, enjoying time with friends and family, and chipping away at her reading list. When asked about her fondest memories at Columbia, she expressed appreciation for her excellent professors as well as all her friends, nostalgically recalling their late-night study sessions in Pupin and the libraries. Still, she explained, many of her fondest memories came from serving on the Columbia Spectra board and volunteering with Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach, where she especially enjoyed operating the Rutherfurd telescopes during the Public Lecture & Stargazing series. She even got to be at the helm during the 2024 North American total solar eclipse (okay yeah, we’re jealous).
Looking ahead to Cambridge, she’s eager to meet more people and expand her network of fellow researchers and potential collaborators. We’re excited for her as well. Congratulations, Lindsay! We hope you’ll visit us for a stargazing session or two.
