#WSGCStudentSpotlight
Sophomore
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Major: Physics
Minor: Astrophysics
Congratulations to this week’s #WSGCStudentSpotlight, Katiya Fosdick! Katiya is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studies physics and astrophysics. This summer, Katiya was the recipient of an Undergraduate Research Fellowship for her research project, “Evolution and Growth of Nearby Galaxy Groups.”
Galaxies are immensely vast collections of stars, dust, and whole solar systems held together by a mutual gravitational attraction; but the majority of galaxies in our local universe are located in galaxy groups, which are small themselves when compared to structures in the universe like clusters or superclusters. Katiya’s project explores how galaxy groups grow by observing changes in group environments to understand group growth. It also examines the individual galaxies to better understand the relationship between galaxy characteristics and their environment, providing valuable insight into how galaxies evolve.
When she’s not staring up at the stars, Katiya enjoys rollerblading, singing opera, and sewing scrunchies. She is excited to resume her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics or Astrophysics, with dreams of becoming employed at NASA someday.
Congratulations Katiya, and best of luck in your future!
