Research Interests

My research interests include all aspects of planetary formation, from the physics and chemistry of protoplanetary disks to evolved exoplanetary systems. I specialize in molecular spectroscopy in the near-IR and its applications, and have principally used the Keck telescope for my thesis research. I am passionate about bringing science to a wider audience, and to this end I started my efforts in outreach at www.phdcomics.com/tv during my graduate tenure. After obtaining my degree at Caltech's June 2014 Commencement, in September 2014 I took up a postdoctoral fellowship in science education and outreach at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in the office of President J.L. Chameau. In Janaury 2015 I transitioned to a more permanent role at KAUST, and am now a Science Specialist for Outreach and Special Initiatives.

Publications

• Alexandra C. Lockwood, John A. Johnson, Chad F. Bender, John S. Carr, Travis Barman, Alexander J.W. Richert, and Geoffrey A. Blake 2014, "Near-IR Direct Detection of Water Vapor in tau Bootis b," The Astrophysical Journal,, 783, L29.


• Alexandra C. Lockwood, Michael E. Brown, and John Stansberry 2014, "The Size and Shape of the Oblong Dwarf Planet Haumea," Earth, Moon and Planets, 111, 127.

Honors & Awards

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program Fellow
  September 2010
  
• Graduate Dean's Award for Outstanding Community Service
  June 2014