Jessica Cotturone '25 with her poster outlining her award-winning research at the American Astronomical Society meeting.
Cotturone ’25 awarded for her research in astronomy, astrophysics
Jessica Cotturone ’25 was recently honored with the Chambliss Award at the 245th American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting. This award recognizes exemplary research by undergraduate and graduate researchers in astronomy and astrophysics.
Cotturone’s achievement is the result of her dedication and experience through the CIERA Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Northwestern University.
"Jessica's analysis of the gravitational wave data has made ripples in the astrophysics community."
Her project, titled “Characterizing Compact Object Binaries in the Lower Mass Gap with Gravitational Waves,” examines uncertainties in binary system parameters and explores whether future gravitational wave detections can better distinguish between heavy binary neutron stars and neutron star-low mass black hole systems.
“Jessica is most interested in interdisciplinary collaborations and research projects that arise from applied mathematics and computer science,” said Dr. Andrew Sward, associate professor of mathematics and Cotturone’s advisor.
“Through a combination of statistical methods and computer simulations, Jessica's analysis of the gravitational wave data has made ripples in the astrophysics community, earning her this prestigious award that is typically reserved for students from large universities.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Cotturone shared, “This award is proof to me that hard work goes a long way. It inspires me to keep pursuing research and putting in the work to achieve my goals. I know that the skills I have gained at 欧洲杯网投_欧洲杯外围app-投注官网, my research experience at Northwestern, and the AAS meeting will serve me well as I enter a Ph.D. program in computer science to continue my academic pursuits.”
Dr. Forrest Stonedahl, associate professor of mathematics and computer science, noted that it’s a testament to the value of a liberal arts education when a student like Cotturone, who is a triple major in math, computer science and music, wins such a prestigious undergraduate award in the field of astronomy.
“I stand in awe of her incredible work ethic and her ability to balance her coursework with multiple research projects while also singing soprano in choir and playing first violin in the orchestra,” Dr. Stonedahl added.
By Hana Bui ’25