About Me

I’m Meredith LeFevre, a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa pursuing a B.S. in Physics and Astronomy with minors in Mathematics, Geoscience, and Dance.

My research focuses on observational astrophysics, where I study stellar populations in the Andromeda Galaxy and compact X-ray sources in the Galactic Center. I am particularly interested in using large astronomical datasets to investigate the evolution of massive stars, binary systems, and compact objects, and how these populations contribute to the broader evolution of galaxies. Through multiwavelength observations and time-domain analysis, I aim to better understand the life cycles of stars, the role of binary interactions in stellar evolution, and the processes that shape the structure and evolution of galaxies.

Outside of research, I am passionate about science communication and outreach. I serve as an Undergraduate NASA STEM Ambassadorfor the Iowa Space Grant Consortium, Outreach Coordinator for the University of Iowa Society of Physics Students, and an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, where I help teach introductory astronomy and lead public observing events at the Van Allen Observatory. I love sharing astronomy with others and finding creative ways to make science more accessible.

When I’m not doing physics, you can usually find me dancing, taking care of my many houseplants, working on outreach events, or spending time under a telescope.