Deirdre Shoemaker

Professor Deirdre Shoemaker is a leading figure in the field of computational astrophysics, gravitational wave astronomy, and data analysis. As an adjunct professor at Georgia Tech's School of Computational Science and Engineering, she holds the prestigious Dunn Family Professorship in Physics. Her work is instrumental in advancing our understanding of the universe through her involvement with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the NASA LISA Study Team. Shoemaker's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics and Physics from Penn State University in 1994. She further honed her expertise by earning a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1999. Her postdoctoral research took her back to Penn State and then to Cornell University, where she continued to expand her knowledge and contribute to the field. In 2004, Shoemaker joined the faculty at Penn State, where she began to establish herself as a prominent researcher and educator. Her move to Georgia Tech in 2008 marked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to further her research and collaborate with other leading scientists in her field. Her work at Georgia Tech has been characterized by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is known about gravitational waves and their implications for our understanding of the cosmos. Shoemaker's research interests lie at the intersection of computational astrophysics and data analysis, where she employs sophisticated computational techniques to analyze data from gravitational wave detectors. Her contributions to the LIGO Scientific Collaboration have been pivotal in the detection and analysis of gravitational waves, providing insights into some of the most energetic and distant phenomena in the universe. As a member of the NASA LISA Study Team, Shoemaker is also involved in the development of future space-based gravitational wave observatories. Her work in this area is crucial for the advancement of gravitational wave astronomy and the exploration of the universe beyond the capabilities of ground-based detectors. Throughout her career, Professor Shoemaker has been dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. Her passion for discovery and her contributions to the field of astrophysics continue to inspire students and colleagues alike.