PhD student in Astrophysics at the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço and the Universidade do Porto.
My research investigates how stellar activity impacts the characterization of exoplanet atmospheres, with a particular focus on high-resolution spectroscopic observations. For my research I use data from the Paranal Solar ESPRESSO Telescope (PoET). On these pages, you can read a short description about me and my research, or download my CV.
My name is Jennifer, though most people call me Jenn. I was born and raised in Mexico City, and at the age of 20 I moved to Santiago, Chile, to pursue a BSc in Astronomy at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Moving across the continent to study astronomy was one of the biggest decisions of my life, and it opened the door to a wide range of research experiences that eventually led me to exoplanet science.
During my undergraduate studies, I worked on several astrophysical projects in observational astronomy and data analysis. My early research included studying the gas kinematics and ionization mechanisms of interacting galaxies using VLT/MUSE observations, as well as exploring the dynamical inflation of exo-Neptunes through tidal effects. Later, I became involved in exoplanet detection and instrumentation, developing algorithms to measure high-precision radial velocities with the CHIRON spectrograph and working at ESO Chile on the revision of the ESPRESSO calibration plan.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics at the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço and the Universidade do Porto, in Portugal. My research focuses on the impact of stellar activity on high-resolution transmission spectroscopy, particularly how stellar spots can imprint signals on the atmospheres of giant planets and Earth-like planets orbiting Sun-like stars. This work is especially relevant for the next generation of instruments, including ELT/ANDES, which aim to characterize smaller and potentially habitable worlds.
My work combines simulations, spectroscopy, atmospheric modeling, and observational astronomy. I am also part of the PoET (Paranal Solar ESPRESSO Telescope) Science Team and have participated in observing campaigns with instruments such as HARPS, NIRPS, and ESPRESSO at observatories in Chile.
Presenting my research work in a Poster at EXOPANETS 6 Conference, in Porto.
At the Very Large Telescope (VLT), located at ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile.
Outside of astronomy, I stay active with workouts a few times a week and attend dance classes, including Brazilian funk, salsa, and bachata. I also love going to concerts :)
My passions are traveling the world and capturing memories through analog photography. I shoot with a Canon Prima BF Zoom 800 and a Canon AE-1.
Science communication has become an important part of my work as an astrophysics researcher. Beyond research, I enjoy sharing astronomy with different audiences through teaching, outreach events, and public talks, especially by making complex topics more accessible and engaging.
During my undergraduate studies at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, I worked as a teaching assistant in several Physics and Astronomy courses, ranging from introductory astronomy to electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, and relativity. I also participated in mentoring and integration programs for both first-year and Erasmus students, helping them adapt to university life and encouraging a supportive academic environment.
Participating in the Comic Con Portugal, teaching about the transit method to detect exoplanets.
More recently, at the Universidade do Porto and Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço, I have been involved in outreach activities focused on exoplanets, stellar spectroscopy, and astrobiology. I taught an introductory class on exoplanets for secondary school students at the Porto Planetarium as part of the Universidade Júnior program, and I have participated in public events such as Comic Con Portugal, university open days, and science communication sessions aimed at general audiences.
I am particularly interested in communicating exoplanet science in a clear and visual way, connecting current research with broader questions about planetary systems, habitability, and our place in the Universe.
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Thesis: Optimized routines for exoplanet detection by calculating high-precision radial velocities.
Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço and Universidade do Porto
Thesis: Detecting exoplanet atmospheres in the presence of stellar activity.
Here you can download a PDF version of my full CV (last updated: August 2026).
In 2023, I began my PhD in Astrophysics under the supervision of Nuno Santos and Olivier Demangeon. My research focuses on understanding how stellar activity affects high-resolution transmission spectroscopy. So far, I have developed simulations of a transiting hot Jupiter orbiting a Sun-like star and analysed how the size and position of unocculted starspots impact the observed absorption spectra. Next, I will use the Paranal Solar ESPRESSO Telescope (PoET) to obtain high-resolution spectra of stellar spots. These data will be incorporated into the models to improve the simulations and study this effect using real observations...
In 2023 had the opportunity to participate in the ESO Summer Students Chile 2023 Program, which is being held at the European Southern Observatory facilities in Chile. In this opportunity, I worked under the supervision of Dr. Matias Jones in order to be able to answer this question. For this, I reduced and analyzed calibration data from the ESPRESSO spectrograph on the VLT, and determined the adequate validity periods for each type of calibration, based on the stability requirements of the instrument. The purpose of this project is to determine how old a calibration can be used to produce high-quality reduced data that will be later used to search for Earth-like planets...
In 2021 I worked under the supervision of Dr. James Jenkins, in the development of an algorithm to obtain radial velocities (RVs) with data from the CHIRON spectrograph, located at the CTIO/SMARTS 1.5 m telescope. I developed an algorithm that uses the cross-correlation method with a noise-free binary mask, in order to confirm and characterize exoplanet candidates from TESS. Through this experience, I was able to work closely with high-resolution echelle data of the star Tau Ceti, which was used to test my algorithm. In the process, I became familiar with the systematics of the instrument, and the requirements for measuring precision radial velocities...
Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (CAUP)
Room 102
Rua das Estrelas
4150-762 Porto
Portugal