Jacob Isbell, Astronomer.

I’m a professional astrophysicist, primarily interested in galaxy evolution and supermassive black holes. I also like to write software.

Software Projects Scientific Publications
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About Me

I’m currently a Postdoctoral researcher at University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory. I am primarily interested in galaxy evolution and the mechanisms that drive it. Specifically, I work to understand the connection between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. To do this I use interferometers such as the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) and VLTI/MATISSE to observe the material which feeds the black hole and the dusty winds which impact the host galaxy. I am also passionate about education, outreach, and the development of software which can make topics more fun and accessible.

Research Overview

More details on my astronomy research can be found here: Research

I completed my PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, working with VLTI-MATISSE. The main focus of my thesis was to understand the dusty envelopes of active galactic nuclei (AGN). To do this, we used mid-infrared interferometry to probe the dust at extremely high resolution. Using MATISSE at the VLTI, which combines 4 telescopes, we imaged this circumnuclear dust for the first time, giving an unprecedented glimpse into the “gas tank” which fuels the AGN.

 

I now work with the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI) team at the University of Arizona to 1. develop and support new observing modes and techniques, and 2. to understand AGN feedback on their hosts using the high-sensitivity, high-resolution Fizeau imaging mode of the LBTI.

Publications

A complete and always up-to-date list can be found on ADS and more information can be found here: Research

 

Recent Highlights

Software Development

More projects and more information can be found here: Programming Projects

 

  • 🦎 LIZARD Pipeline: Data reduction and image processing pipeline for LBTI Fizeau Imaging (Link)
  • 🪴 Gardone: A digital garden and personal plant database (Link)
  • 🛠️ MATISSE LM Data Reduction: Python scripts to process MATISSE LM-band for faint sources (Link)
  • 🖼️ E-paper Image Frame: Raspberry Pi based photo frame with wireless photo upload using a local web server (Link)

Outreach and Teaching

One of the best parts of astronomy is its ability to inspire curiosity in people of all ages. I fundamentally believe in the value of scientific communication, and I work to make science accessible to all. To this end, I have been involved in a number of outreach projects, public talks/presentations, and the CIRTL teaching program.

  • Gravbox: Developed at the University of Iowa, Gravbox is an interactive gravitational dynamics simulation that lets people shape a universe with their own hands. I was fortunate enough to present this team effort at AAS 231.
  • Public Talks: links to recorded public outreach talks can be found here: Talks
  • CIRTL Postdoctoral Fellowship: Evidence-based teaching instruction and an intensive, short-term co-teaching project with a faculty mentor (Dr. Ed Prather)

Contact

You can find me on

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