I am Gillen Brown, a recent Ph.D. graduate in astrophysics from the University of Michigan

I attended the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) starting in 2012. I received a BS in Physics with an emphasis in Astronomy, along with minors in both Mathematics and Computer Science. While at UMKC I did astronomy research with Dr. Mark Brodwin in the UMKC Galaxy Evolution Group. I implemented a method to estimate the redshift of galaxy clusters using only photometry in two bands, enabling quick and inexpensive estimation of this important property.

From there, I went to grad school at the University of Michigan. I obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics, where I worked with Dr. Oleg Y. Gnedin studying star clusters in both observations and numerical simulations. See the Projects page for more on my research at both UMKC and Michigan.

I use the he/him/his set of pronouns. Here is how my name is pronounced:

Hobbies

Outside of work, my primary hobbies involve the outdoors. I am an avid camper and hiker. Two of my favorite trips are a 100-mile hike in Isle Royale National Park and a 220-mile hike in Michigan's Upper Peninsula along the North Country Trail. I also have dabbled with mountain biking, and in the winter love to cross-country ski. I also enjoy watching Michigan football or any of the Kansas City sports teams.