Yanzhe (Jenny) Zhang

Education

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Fall 2022 - present

3rd year PhD student in Astronomy.
Expected graduation time: Summer 2028

University of Kansas

Fall 2019 - Summer 2022

B.S. in Physics (pre-professional track),
B.S. in Astronomy,
Minor in German Studies.

Kansas Academy Mathematics and Science (KAMS)

Fall 2016 - Spring 2018

Kansas Academic Mathematics and Science (KAMS) is the state’s premier academic high school program at Fort Hays State University in Kansas. KAMS provides an opportunity for high school students to work in a community of peers and to earn simultaneous colleges credits and a high school diploma. As an international student, I am enrolled at the local public high school—Hays High School.
More information of KAMS program @ KAMS.

Current research interest

Within the realms of cosmology and the evolution of galaxies, a focal point of investigation pertains to the intricate disentanglement of star formation history of galaxies from their spectra. My research pursuits are distinctly oriented towards the advancement of these astronomical narratives, facilitated by the adept application of machine learning methodologies, espectially the utilization of Principal Component Analysis. By refining and innovating star formation history models, I aim to transcend the limitations of conventional parametric and non-parametric approaches, ultimately revealing more accurate and nuanced insights into the captivating storylines that have shaped galaxies across cosmic epochs.
Publication on ADS

Current projects

PCA SFH Model

Advised by Dr. Houjun Mo and Dr. Kate Whitaker
Department of Astronomy, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA

Past projects

Muon Collider

Advised by Dr. Ian Lewis and Dr. K.C. Kong
Deparment of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

Exoplanet -- radial velocity and transit light curve

Advised by Dr. Ian Crossfield
Deparment of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

Soxhlet Extraction of Avocado Endocarp, Mesocarp, and Exocarp for Biodiesel Production

Advised by Dr. Arvin Cruz
Department of Chemistry, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, USA

My kitty!!

KUCSSFA

I served at KUCSSFA (Chinese Students and Scholars Friendship Association) for two years, the first year as a member and the second year as president.

Research

Elements

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    i++;
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