Research Interests: I aim to develop novel statistical tools for constraining and interpreting theoretical models in the context of large-scale stellar surveys.
Education
PhD Astronomy (Data Science Program), University of Washington — Seattle
2021 — 2026
MS Astronomy, University of Washington — Seattle
2019 — 2021
BS Physics, University of California — San Diego
2015 — 2019
Professional Appointments
Postdoctoral Researcher — University of Oklahoma, Norman OK
Jul 2026 — Present
Advisor: Sean Matt
Graduate Student Researcher — University of Washington, Seattle WA
Aug 2019 — Jun 2026
Advisor: Rory Barnes, Co-advisor: James Davenport
Undergraduate Researcher — University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA
May 2016 — May 2019
Advisor: Adam Burgasser
Research Intern — Max Planck Institute für Astronomie, Heidelberg DE
Summer 2017 & 2018
Advisor: David Hogg
Selected Awards & Honors
| 2025 | Wallerstein Dissertation Fellowship ($22k) |
| 2019 — 2024 | NSF Graduate Research Fellowship ($144k) |
| 2024 | UW Astronomy Excellence in Teaching Award |
| 2024 | Washington Space Grant Fellowship ($50k) |
| 2022, 2024 | UW Astronomy Jacobsen Award ($1.5k) |
| 2018, 2019 | UCSD Provost Honors (for academic achievement) |
| 2017, 2018 | Max Planck Institute Fellowship (€ 6k) |
| 2017 | UCSD Frances Hellman Research Scholarship ($5k) |
| 2016 — 2018 | UCSD Physics Chair Challenge Award ($900) |
Publications
Metrics: h-index: 7 | first author citations: 120 | total citations: 269 [Google Scholar] [ADS]
Lead-author Papers (underlined = undergraduates mentored by me):
- Birky, J., et al. 2026, Physically Motivated Gaussian Processes for Stellar Variability II: Inferring Spot Temperatures from Multichromatic Lightcurves [In prep.] [code]
- Birky, J., Agol, E., et al. 2026, Physically Motivated Gaussian Processes for Stellar Variability I: A Starspot Kernel with Differential Rotation [In prep.] [code]
- Birky, J., Barnes, R. K., 2026, ALABI: Active Learning for Accelerated Bayesian Inference [arxiv:2603.18259] [code]
- Birky, J., Barnes, R. K., Davenport, J. R. A., 2025, Prospects of Constraining Equilibrium Tides in Low-Mass Binary Stars, ApJ, 992, 133 [doi:10.3847/1538-4357/adf4cf] [arxiv:2507.12639]
- Hobson-Ritz, M., Birky, J., Peterson, L., Gwartney, P., Delker, J., Wong, R., Gordon, T., Davenport, J. R. A., Barnes, R. K., 2024, Tidal Synchronization of TESS Eclipsing Binaries, ApJ, 990, 124 [doi:10.3847/1538-4357/adf10d] [arxiv:2501.04082]
- Birky, J., Barnes, R. K., Fleming, D. P., 2021, Improved Constraints for Trappist-1 XUV Luminosity Evolution, RNAAS, 5, 122 [doi:10.3847/2515-5172/ac034c] [arxiv:2105.12562] [code]
- Birky, J., Hogg, D. W., Mann, A., Burgasser, A. J., 2020, Temperatures and Metallicities for M dwarfs in the APOGEE Survey, ApJ, 892, 1 [doi:10.3847/1538-4357/ab7004] [arxiv:2001.04962] [code]
Co-author Papers:
- Amaral, L., Shkolnik, E., L., (incl. Birky, J.) 2026, The Impact of Stellar Flares on the Atmospheric Escape of M Dwarf Exoplanets II: How TRAPPIST-1 planets lost their primordial atmospheres [In prep.]
- Barnes, R. K., Amaral, L., Birky, J., et al. 2026, The Cumulative XUV Flux of GJ 1132 [Submitted PSJ]
- Gilbert-Janizek, S. R., et al. (incl. Birky, J.) 2026, A validated whole-planet model of the Earth without life for terrestrial exoplanet studies, Submitted PSJ [arxiv:2602.02267]
- Davenport, J. R. A., Charbour Barra, F., et al. (incl. Birky, J.) 2024, Automated Spectroscopic Wavelength Calibration using Dynamic Time Warping [arxiv:2508.05862]
- Barnes, R. K., Amaral, L., et al. 2023, History and Habitability of the LP 890-9 Planetary System, PSJ, 6, 25 [doi:10.3847/PSJ/ad94dc] [arxiv:2412.02743]
- Gialluca, M. T., Barnes, R. K., et al. (incl. Birky, J.) 2024, Bayesian Calculations of Water Inventories and Oxygen Accumulation on the TRAPPIST-1 Planets, PSJ, 5, 137 [doi:10.3847/PSJ/ad4454]
- Hsu, C., Burgasser, A. J., et al. (incl. Birky, J.) 2024, The Brown Dwarf Kinematics Project (BDKP). VI: Ultracool Dwarf Radial and Rotational Velocity Survey with SDSS/APOGEE High-Resolution Spectrometer, ApJS, 274, 40 [doi:10.3847/1538-4365/ad6b27] [arxiv:2403.13760]
- Hsu, C., Burgasser, A. J., et al. (incl. Birky, J.) 2021, The Brown Dwarf Kinematics Project (BDKP). V. Radial and Rotational Velocities of T Dwarfs From Keck/NIRSPEC High-Resolution Spectroscopy [doi:10.3847/1538-4365/ac1c7d] [arxiv:2107.01222] [code]
- Davenport, J. R. A., Windemuth, D., et al. (incl. Birky, J.) 2021, The Rise and Fall of the Eclipsing Binary, HS Hydra, ApJL, 162, 189 [doi:10.3847/1538-3881/ac1f97] [arxiv:2107.10954]
- Martin, D. V., El-Badry, K., et al. (incl. Birky, J.) 2021, TOI-1259Ab—a gas giant with 2.6% deep transits and a bound white dwarf companion, MNRAS, 507, 3 [doi:10.1093/mnras/stab2129] [arxiv:2101.02707]
Software Development
Lead Developer
spotgp: A Python package in JAX for modeling properties of stellar starspots from lightcurves using a physically-motivated Gaussian Process.
parallax-presentations: Presentation software for creating interactive slideshows with RevealJS.
alabi: Active Learning for Accelerated Bayesian Inference – A Python package for performing Bayesian inference and optimization with computationally expensive models using Gaussian processes and active learning.
vplanet_inference: A Python package for performing parameter sweeps, model sensitivity analysis, and MCMC inference with vplanet models.
tikz_editor: A graphical interface for creating and editing LaTeX TikZ diagrams.
Contributing Developer
vplanet: A software package in C for simulating stellar and planetary system evolution, with a focus on habitability.
SMART: The Spectral Modeling Analysis and RV Tool – A Python package for forward modeling high-resolution stellar spectra with atmospheric models.
Talks / Posters
The Role of Tides and Differential Rotation in the Angular Momentum Evolution of Low-Mass Stars
2026
PhD Thesis defense, University of Washington
Prospects of Constraining Tidal Dissipation of Low-mass Stars
2024
Poster presentation at Cool Stars 22, UC San Diego
The Formation of Short-period Binaries in Hierarchical Triples
2024
General Exam, University of Washington
Prospects of Constraining Tidal Dissipation of Low-mass Stars
2023
Qualifying Exam, University of Washington
Prospects of Constraining Tidal Dissipation of Low-mass Stars
2023
Talk at DDA Meeting 54, Lansing, Michigan
Challenges in Establishing an Accurate Model of Tidal Dissipation for Low-mass Binary Stars
2023
Poster presentation at AAS 241, Seattle WA
(Invited) Precise abundances of M dwarfs: data driven models applied to large scale surveys
2022
Talk at Cool Stars 21, Toulouse, France
Constraining the XUV Luminosity Evolution of Low Mass Stars
2022
Poster presentation at Cool Stars 21, Toulouse, France
ALABI: Active Learning for Accelerated Bayesian Inference
2021
IAU Symposium 362 — Predictive Power of Computational Astrophysics, Virtual Conference
Systematic Classification of TESS Eclipsing Binaries
2020
Poster presentation at AAS Meeting 235, Honolulu HI [
poster]
Physical Parameters for 10,000+ M dwarfs in the APOGEE Survey
2019
Talk at Sloan Digital Sky Survey Collaboration Meeting, Ensenada, Mexico
Precise Stellar Parameters for 10,000+ APOGEE M dwarfs
2019
Poster presentation at AAS Meeting 233, Seattle WA [
poster]
Data-Driven Spectral Models for APOGEE M Dwarfs
2018
Poster presentation at AAS Meeting 231, Washington DC [
poster]
Modeling Stellar Parameters for High Resolution Late-M and Early-L Dwarf SDSS/APOGEE Spectra
2017
Poster presentation at AAS Meeting 229, Grapevine TX [
poster]
Data Driven Models for APOGEE M dwarfs
2017
Talk at Stars Meeting & Milky Way Meeting, MPIA, Heidelberg, Germany
Identification of H-band Absorption Lines in High Resolution APOGEE Spectra of the Lowest Mass Stars
2016
Poster presentation at the national SACNAS Conference, Long Beach CA
Telescope Time Awarded
TESS Eclipsing Binaries in Open Clusters Survey
2022 — 2023
PI: APO 3.5 meter — 16 total half nights with ARCES/KOSMOS spectrographs
Training the Cannon: Calibrating APOGEE Observations of Ultracool Dwarfs
2018 — 2019
Co-I: NASA IRTF — 6 nights with iShell spectrograph (PI: Adam Burgasser)
APOGEE-2 Survey of the Lowest-Mass Stars and Brown Dwarfs: Composition, Chemistry and Companions
2017 — 2018
Co-I: APOGEE 2.5-meter — Fibers for ancillary survey (PI: Adam Burgasser)
Observing Experience
Apache Point Observatory (APO) 3.5m
| 6 half nights (remote), Instruments: ARCES & KOSMOS | Q1 2023 |
| 8 half nights (remote), Instruments: ARCES & KOSMOS | Q4 2022 |
| 4 half nights (onsite), Instruments: ARCES, KOSMOS, ARCTIC | Q3 2022 |
| 2 half nights (remote), Instruments: ARCES & KOSMOS | Q2 2022 |
| 2 half nights (remote), Instruments: ARCES, TripleSpec, DIS, NICFPS, ARCTIC | Q4 2020 |
Manastash Ridge Observatory (MRO) 30in
1 full night (onsite)
Q4 2023
Research Mentorship
Co-founder of YVC-UW Partnership for Research in Astrophysics (YUPRA)
Summer 2024
Co-founded a partnership program between Yakima Valley Community College (YVC) and University of Washington (UW) designed to expose underrepresented students from eastern Washington to research. Received $50k grant from Washington Space Grant to operate the summer 2024 REU and provide student stipends. Designed student research projects and served as primary research mentor for six YVC undergraduates in summer 2024. Project webpage: jessicabirky.com/yupra/
Mentor for Pre-Major in Astronomy Program (Pre-MAP)
Fall 2022
Served as mentor for Pre-MAP: a program designed to expose incoming UW students to programming and/or scientific research who are traditionally underrepresented in astronomy, such as low-income and/or first-generation college students.
Students mentored:
| Marshall Hobson-Ritz (UW post-bac; now PhD student at University of Maryland) | Jan 2023 — Aug 2025 |
| Karime Estrada (YUPRA REU) | Summer 2024 |
| Josue Cruz (YUPRA REU) | Summer 2024 |
| Alexandra Sanchez (YUPRA REU) | Summer 2024 |
| Michelle Marquez (YUPRA REU) | Summer 2024 |
| Julizza Gomez (YUPRA REU) | Summer 2024 |
| John Delker (UW undergrad, PreMAP program; now PhD student at Michigan State) | Nov 2022 — Dec 2022 |
| Leah Peterson (UW undergrad, PreMAP program) | Nov 2022 — Sept 2023 |
| Peter Gwartney (UW undergrad; now PhD student University of Alabama) | Jun 2021 — Sept 2022 |
| Rachel Wong (UW undergrad, co-mentored with PhD student Tyler Gordon) | Jun 2021 — Sept 2022 |
Leadership and Service
Department Grad Student Representative
2024 — 2025
Represent and advocate for graduate student interests at department faculty meetings, manage the assignment of grad jobs, and plan graduate student orientation and community events. Also initiated the development of a grad wiki website for documenting resources.
Lead Teaching Assistant
2024 — 2025
Developed a new training program for all new TAs in the department. This includes writing a TA handbook, helping TAs develop discussion materials, providing teaching feedback through in-class observation sessions, as well as assisting in solving any class issues.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant: Lead weekly lab or discussion sections, held office hours, and graded assignments/exams for both intro and advanced astronomy courses:
ASTR 421: Stellar Theory and Observations (Instructor: Emily Levesque)
Winter 2025
Upper-division major course. Observations and theory of the atmospheres, chemical composition, internal structure, energy sources, and evolutionary history of stars.
ASTR 101: Introduction to Astronomy (Instructor: Chris Laws)
Spring 2024
Intro course for non-science majors. Introduction to the universe, with emphasis on conceptual, as contrasted with mathematical, comprehension. Modern theories, observations; ideas concerning nature, evolution of galaxies; quasars, stars, black holes, planets, solar system.
ASTR 421: Stellar Theory and Observations (Instructor: Emily Levesque)
Winter 2024
ASTR 150: The Planets (Instructor: Toby Smith)
Fall 2023
Intro course for non-science majors. Survey of the planets of the solar system, with emphases on recent space exploration of the planets and on the comparative evolution of the Earth and the other planets.
ASTR 101: Introduction to Astronomy (Instructor: Chris Laws)
Summer 2023
ASTR 150: The Planets (Instructor: Nicole Kelly)
Spring 2021
ASTR 150: The Planets (Instructors: Nicole Kelly, Eric Agol)
Winter 2021
ASTR 102: Introduction to Astronomy (Instructor: Scott Anderson)
Fall 2020
Guest Lecturer: ASTR 511 (graduate galactic dynamics), ASTR 425 (undergrad cosmology)
Other Service and Outreach
| Journal Reviewer, MNRAS | 2025 — Present |
| Astronomy Grad Congress Representative | Fall 2024 — Summer 2025 |
| Planetarium Volunteer — outreach shows at the UW planetarium | Fall 2023 — Present |
| Astronomy on Tap Seattle — Organizer & Livestream Manager | Fall 2022 — Fall 2024 |
VPLanet Workshop III — SOC and Session Lead | Sept 2023 |
| Yakima Valley CC — organized overnight field trip for students to observe at MRO | Oct 2023 |
| Apache Point Observatory — Telescope Allocation Committee | Fall 2020 — Fall 2022 |
| AAS Foundations of astronomical data science workshop — volunteer helper | Jan 2023 |
| Yakima Valley CC — Outreach talk: Research in modern Astronomy | Nov 2022 |
| UW Pre-MAP program — Research Mentor | Fall 2022 |
VPLanet Workshop II — SOC and Session Lead | Sept 2022 |
Engineering Experience
Design Team — UCSD Human Powered Submarine Club
Sept 2015 — May 2017
Prototyped 3D submarine hull profiles to minimize fluid drag, while subject to constraints of internal diving/safety equipment. Designed submarine propulsion fin mechanism, CADed Solidworks models, and prototyped using 3D printing.
Professional Development
| NBIA Summer School on Astrophysical Dynamics of Gravitating Systems — Copenhagen, Denmark | Aug 2024 |
| AI-driven discovery in physics and astrophysics — Tokyo, Japan | Jan 2024 |
| Cool Stars 20.5 — Virtual Conference | Mar 2021 |
| NExSS Quantitative Habitability Science Workshop — Online | Dec 2020 |
| online.tess.science — Online workshop | Sep 2020 |
| TESS Ninja 3: Expanding the Science of TESS — Sydney, Australia | Feb 2020 |
| ZTF Collaboration Meeting — UW Seattle, WA | Sept 2019 |
| Caltech FUTURE of Physics Workshop — Pasadena, CA | Nov 2018 |
| M33 HST Survey Meeting — Ringberg Castle, Tegernsee, Germany | Jul 2018 |
| Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics — Cal Poly Pomona, CA | Jan 2018 |
| Gaia Sprint — Internationales Wissenschaftsforum Heidelberg, Germany | Jul 2017 |
| Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics — UC Los Angeles, CA | Jan 2017 |
References