Dr. Gabi Wenzel

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Dr. Gabi Wenzel: Advancing Astrochemistry Through Spectroscopy

Academic Journey and International Experience

Gabi Wenzel earned her BSc and MSc in Physics from the University of Münster before pursuing a PhD in Laboratory Astrophysics at the University of Toulouse, France. During her doctoral studies at the Institute for Astrophysics and Planetology Research (IRAP), she explored the interaction of cosmic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with ultraviolet and infrared light, focusing on their relaxation processes in the gas phase.

Following her PhD, she completed her first postdoctoral position in Denmark, primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research journey has also taken her to Italy, England, and the Netherlands for collaborations and internships, deepening her expertise in astrophysical research across Europe.

Current Role at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Since October 2022, Gabi Wenzel has been a postdoctoral researcher at MIT, where she heads rotational spectroscopy efforts in Professor Brett McGuire’s group. Her research centers on measuring the rotational spectra of astrochemically relevant molecules, particularly PAHs, in laboratory conditions. These laboratory spectra are then compared with astronomical observations made by radio telescopes, such as the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia, to identify molecular species in space.

Research Methods and Innovations

Gabi’s Wenzel work involves developing and utilizing cutting-edge spectroscopic tools, including:

• A compact CP-FTMW spectrometer, which enables broadband rotational spectroscopy of astrochemical species at MIT.
• High-resolution cavity-enhanced FTMW spectroscopy at the Center for Astrophysics (CfA) to complement her research.

Her research aims to expand our understanding of molecular complexity in space, addressing fundamental questions such as:

• How many molecular species exist in the interstellar medium?
• How are these molecules formed?
• What role do they play in astrophysical processes?
• Could they contribute to the emergence of life?

Gabi Wenzel Exploring New Frontiers

With a passion for international collaboration, Gabi Wenzel enjoys exploring the American academic landscape and engaging in interdisciplinary research. Her work contributes significantly to the detection and understanding of molecules in space, pushing the boundaries of astrochemistry and molecular spectroscopy.