Katy Kathleen Rodriguez Wimberly
Contact
Bio
Dr. Katy Rodriguez Wimberly is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, where she started in 2023. Dr. Rodriguez Wimberly began her academic career at Mount San Antonio College, a California Community College, earned her Bachelor’s degree at CSU Long Beach and her (astro)physics doctorate at UC Irvine. She studies near–field cosmology and galaxy evolution focusing on ultra–faint dwarf galaxies — researching these possible relics of the first galaxies ever formed to learn more about the early universe, how the earliest galaxies evolve throughout history, and how they can be used as a tool to learn more about our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Alongside her astrophysics research, Dr. Rodriguez Wimberly is passionate about outreach and mentorship. She is on the Board of Directors for the Astronomical Society of the Pacific — the oldest astronomical society in the country and leader in astronomy outreach. She also serves as the Director of Mentorship for the Cal–Bridge Program, where her aim is to normalize a holistic approach to academic success and strengthen marginalized communities.
Education
- Physics Ph.D., University of California, Irvine, 2021
- Physics M.S., University of California, Irvine, 2019
- Physics B.S., California State University, Long Beach, 2015
- Fine Arts, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Natural Science & Math A.A.s, Mount San Antonio College, 2009
Courses/Teaching
Current Courses
- Physics 1500 – Tools for Physicists
- Physics 3100 – Mathematical Methods of Physics
Research and Teaching Interests
Dr. Rodriguez Wimberly studies Near–Field Cosmology and Galaxy Evolution using both optical telescopes and cosmological simulations. In particular, her work focuses on ultra–faint dwarf galaxies — researching these possible relics of the first galaxies ever formed to learn more about the Early Universe, how the earliest galaxies evolve, and how they can be used as a tool to learn more about our own galaxy, the Milky Way.
Alongside this astrophysics research, Dr. Rodriguez Wimberly works to improve the astronomical community for all, including publishing articles to help spread the methodologies of successful programs. She has created peer mentorship programs implemented at her alma mater, UC Irvine, at her previous postdoctoral institution, UC Riverside, and within the Cal-Bridge Program. She aims is to normalize a holistic approach to academic success and strengthen marginalized communities.