Astrophysicist Keivan Stassun, a nationally recognized leader in the study of stars and exoplanets, is joining the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences as the inaugural holder of the Ashvin B. Chhabra Distinguished Professorship and new head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in January, bringing with him a decorated career of scientific discovery and expanding access and innovation in the sciences.  

Stassun’s research explores some of the most fundamental questions about the universe: how stars are born, how planetary systems form, and under what conditions planets like Earth can exist. His work sits at the intersection of astronomy, physics, and data science, leveraging large-scale surveys and advanced computational methods to better understand the life cycles of stars and the environments that shape them.  

“I am excited to join a department with such strong foundations and to work with faculty, students, and colleagues across Franklin to pursue ambitious questions, develop new tools — including through the department’s Center for Simulational Physics — and expand pathways for talented people to contribute to science,” said Stassun.   

As a co-investigator on NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite mission and NASA’s upcoming Ultraviolet Explorer mission, and a leader in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, he has contributed to major international collaborations that transform how scientists detect and study planets beyond our solar system. His repertoire of more than 600 peer-reviewed journal articles has refined how astronomers measure the physical properties of stars and planets. His most recent honor includes election to the presidential line of the American Physical Society beginning Jan. 1. 

Beyond his scientific and research achievements, Stassun is widely recognized for his leadership in mentoring and inclusion. He founded the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-Ph.D. Bridge Program, which creates pathways for underrepresented students pursuing doctoral degrees in the physical sciences. He also launched the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, advancing research and workforce development opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.  

His contributions have earned numerous honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Physical Society, the American Astronomical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as national recognition for excellence in mentoring.  He has been recognized with the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and is a National Medal of Science laureate.  

“Several decades ago, I was a beneficiary of the university’s financial generosity and the department’s research leadership at the interface of computers and physics,” said Ashvin Chhabra, now president of Euclidean Capital. “As we move to the age of AI, the traditional scientific disciplines such as physics and astronomy will play a critical role in shaping every aspect of our society. I am honored to be associated with this initiative and congratulate the university on its vision and leadership."

Stassun’s academic journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned degrees in physics and astronomy, followed by a doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He went on to serve as a NASA Hubble Fellow before joining the faculty at Vanderbilt University, where he held the Stevenson Professorship of Physics and Astronomy.  

Stassun’s partner, Julie Posselt, also joins UGA in January, whose appointment as the next McBee Distinguished Professor of Higher Education was announced this summer.  

“These appointments reflect an alignment for us both of professional ambition, civic engagement and deeply held values. UGA’s wholehearted recruitment of us jointly was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” said Stassun. 

At Franklin, Stassun’s work will further strengthen multidisciplinary research across the sciences while fostering a culture that values discovery and opportunity.   

“Dr. Stassun is a visionary scientist and accomplished academic leader whose work reflects the very best of Franklin: rigorous discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to expanding opportunity,” said Anna Stenport, dean of Franklin College. “His leadership will elevate an already strong department, create new connections across the college and university, and help position UGA at the forefront of research shaping our understanding of the universe.”