Dr. Mark D. Gorski

Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics

Northwestern University

1800 Sherman Ave, 8th Floor

e-mail: mark.gorski <at > northwestern.edu

My research explores the realm of other galaxies, viewed through the unique lens of astrochemistry. By studying the chemical composition and physical processes in these fascinating objects, I aim to shed light on the interplay between the interstellar medium, star formation, and accreting supermassive black holes (AGN). My goal is to understand how the internal processes of a galaxy dictates its own evolution. 

My career began as an undergraduate at the University of Iowa, where I graduated with a degree in physics in 2011.  Afterward, I completed a PhD in physics in 2017. My time was split between the University of New Mexico (UNM), and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).  My advisors were Rich Rand and Jürgen Ott.  After the PhD I sought out postdocs abroad, one in Canada at Western University, and one in Sweden at Chalmers University. I returned to the USA in 2023 as a CIERA Fellow in the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University.

Areas of Expertise

• Radio and millimeter astronomy

• Galaxy evolution

• Atomic and molecular spectroscopy, and astrochemistry

• Astrophysical masers