Keri Hoadley

Education

• Ph.D. (2017) • Astrophysics • University of Colorado
• M.Sc. (2014) • Astrophysics • University of Colorado
• B.Sc. (2011) • Astronomy & Astrophysics • Florida Institute of Technology
• B.Sc. (2011) • Mathematical Sciences • Florida Institute of Technology

Current Position

• Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Leading Iowa’s efforts to fabricate next-generation UV high dispersion gratings using nanotechnology at UI’s MATFab facility, with plans to qualify large-format gratings aboard suborbital UV spectrographs. Involved in current & proposed space-based UV missions, including FIREBall-2 (suborbital), Aspera (Pioneers), & Hyperion (SMEX/MIDEX concept).

Technology Interests

• Fabricating High efficiency, low scatter reflection gratings for space-based UV spectroscopy
• Minimizing write field errors in lithographic tooling to reduce unwanted dispersive power in gratings
• High throughput VUV polarization techniques
• Mirror coating development for VUV reflection elements (flat, powered, and diffraction surfaces)
• High efficiency, high resolution photon-counting sensors for broadband UV detection
• Developing UV instruments & missions for space (suborbital, SmallSats, Explorers)

Goals and Aspirations

• Demonstrate the utility of nanotechnology for improving the quality of UV gratings.
• Develop a state-of-the-art joint UV/X-ray space instrumentation center at Iowa (with RTF Fellow Casey DeRoo).
• Build a deep and lasting community around UV astronomy & astrophysics.
• Lead the development and flight of space UV telescopes (suborbital & beyond).
• Engage and motivate the public to appreciate science and technology and think critically (and accurate) about the natural world.