Jaclyn Jensen

Jaclyn’s primary research interests are categorically anything falling under the vast umbrella of Galactic Archaeology. She aims to understand the formation and evolution of our Milky Way (MW) and its numerous dwarf galaxy satellites through studying the chemistries and kinematics (chemo-dynamics) of their resolved stars. Jaclyn is interested in the various substructures of the MW, primarily (i) stellar streams of tidally disrupted systems and (ii) our own MW dwarf galaxy satellites.

In her PhD, she has developed target lists of resolved stars for ~65 MW dwarf galaxies for spectroscopic follow-up utilizing a Bayesian-based framework applied to Gaia astrometric and photometric data. These data have been the foundation for various follow-up programs within the group, such as the commissioning of the Gemini High-resolution Optical SpecTrograph (GHOST), the GHOst Ultra-faint Legacy Survey (GHOULS), and other independent spectroscopic follow-up programs within the group. Jaclyn’s research also aims to identify extended stellar substructures in these dwarfs, which we argue originate either from tidal forces from the MW (stellar streams) or from the accretion of another system (dwarf-dwarf merger). Jaclyn in this way has led the first complete census of MW dwarf substructure and aims to use these results to understand galaxy formation at the smallest scales.

Jaclyn is a Colorado Native who appreciates the incredible varied nature of Vancouver Island (primarily hiking and paddle boarding), but also enjoys time home (winemaking, knitting, video games, and good conversation). She achieved her MSc at Uvic and is currently a PhD candidate that will soon complete her studies here.

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