Jaren Ashcraft

Jaren Ashcraft is an accomplished researcher in optical sciences, currently serving as a NASA Hubble Fellow at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He has a strong academic background, having recently completed his PhD in Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, where he worked under Dr. Ewan Douglas. His research focuses on high-contrast imaging and polarization, particularly in relation to next-generation astronomical observatories.

As a Sagan Fellow, awarded by NASA, Jaren's project titled "Optimizing the Vector Field for Next-Generation Astrophysics" aims to explore how optical polarization can affect the imaging capabilities of large telescopes and future space-based observatories. His work involves developing integrated optical models to assess and mitigate the impact of polarization aberrations on astronomical observations, utilizing innovative technologies such as metasurfaces and liquid crystals.23

Jaren has gained valuable experience through various internships and positions, including roles at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the Subaru Telescope, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). His expertise encompasses telescope and satellite instrumentation, optical system design, and the development of tools for high-contrast imaging.12