2026 Amelia Earhart Fellow: Lauren Henderson

Lauren Henderson is a Ph.D. candidate in physics and astronomy at the University of Notre Dame, under the leadership of Dr. Evan Kirby. She received her bachelor’s degree from Calvin University in physics and philosophy. Her current Ph.D. research in galactic archeology focuses on studying old dwarf galaxies in the Local Group, a series of galaxies that includes the Milky Way.

These dwarf galaxies hold important clues as to how the heaviest elements on the periodic table are created. Ms. Henderson uses stellar spectroscopy to measure the composition of ancient stars in these galaxies, helping to understand their galactic evolution and uncover how supernovae and other energetic events produced the heavy elements.

After graduation, Ms. Henderson looks forward to continuing research in the field of galactic archeology, as well as teaching classes in physics and astronomy. She is passionate about increasing the representation of women in her field and has been involved in the Graduate Physics and Astronomy Society leadership at Notre Dame. She has helped organize many outreach events to share physics and astronomy with the South Bend, Indiana community.

Outside of research, Ms. Henderson enjoys rock climbing, backpacking and baking vegan desserts.