Heidi White

Originally from Chicago, Dr. White earned her Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto in 2021. Her specialization lies in star formation and galaxy kinematics, with a focus on the evolution of galaxies during “cosmic noon,” an era around 10 billion years ago characterized by prolific star formation. Her research delves into the internal motions and star-forming attributes of local galaxies, known as DYNAMO, at approximately z~0.1. Using a multi-color approach across different wavelengths, she aims to understand the similarity of DYNAMO galaxies to those during cosmic noon and unravel the mechanisms driving star formation during that epoch.

Alongside her academic pursuits, Dr. White is fervently committed to science communication and education. She actively develops initiatives to bring astronomy education to underserved populations, co-founding the Pan-African School for Emerging Astronomers (PASEA), a platform fostering astronomy learning for African STEM undergraduates. Notably, she’s a core member of the Astrodigenous educational team, dedicated to preserving Indigenous Sky Knowledge (ISK) and incorporating non-Western perspectives into K-12 astronomy education. Her engagement extends to media representation, as a science expert on TVOntario/TVOKids and appearances on prominent Canadian news outlets and shows.

Dr. White’s passion for education stems from her own experience, recognizing the influence of early exposure to astronomy on her career trajectory and the potential of effective science communication in inspiring young minds.