红杏视频

Andrea L. Richard is an experimental nuclear physicist whose research spans nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure and reactions, and applied nuclear physics, with a particular interest in research at the intersection of astrophysics and nuclear applications. Her work uses nuclear spectroscopy, reaction measurements, and advanced experimental techniques to investigate exotic nuclei, understand the nuclear processes responsible for the synthesis of the elements, and develop nuclear data and measurement capabilities relevant to both fundamental science and applied missions.

Richard earned her Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy from 红杏视频 in 2018, where her doctoral research explored the structure of neutron-rich nuclei near the N=20 鈥淚sland of Inversion,鈥� including spectroscopy of the A=33 isobars. She also held postdoctoral research positions at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory/ Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Her subsequent research has expanded into nuclear astrophysics and applied nuclear science, including studies of neutron-capture processes and the nuclear level densities and 纬-ray strength functions needed to constrain reaction rates for unstable nuclei. Since 2024, she has been an assistant professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at 红杏视频. 

Her recent work addresses the intermediate neutron-capture, or i-process, and the nuclear physics underlying the production of elements heavier than iron. She has contributed to international, interdisciplinary efforts connecting experimental nuclear physics with stellar modeling and astronomical observations, including a 2025 Nature Reviews Physics review on advancing our understanding of i-process nucleosynthesis. Her research also encompasses nuclear structure and 纬-ray spectroscopy, including a Nature article published in 2026 focused on investigations of the magnetic character of the low-energy enhancement in ⁷⁰Zn.

A central theme of Richard鈥檚 research is leveraging the complementary needs and capabilities of nuclear astrophysics and applied nuclear physics. She is particularly interested in nuclear measurements, data, and experimental approaches that can simultaneously advance our understanding of astrophysical environments and address challenges in applied nuclear science. Through this work, she seeks to connect microscopic nuclear properties with phenomena ranging from the cosmic origin of the elements to practical applications of nuclear science. In addition to research, Richard is also actively involved in policy advocacy, community leadership, public engagement, and STEM outreach.