Caroline Foster-Guanzon

Dr Caroline Foster has spent hundreds of nights at remote astronomical sites under some of the most pristine skies in the world. She collects data from world-class telescopes and studies the motions and chemistry of stars in galaxies to unravel the history of their formation.

Her passion for physics and mathematics dates back to her high school days when she thought physics was the key to unlocking our understanding of the universe. Physicists can measure fundamental constants, derive physical laws from first principles and make solid predictions. Mathematics is the language and foundation of our understanding; it underpins the technological advances of our era.

Her pursuit of truth also led her to Christ. While she was exposed to religion, Caroline did not grow up in a religious family and she became a Christian in adulthood as she studied for her bachelors degree with dual major in physics and mathematics. She completed her PhD at Swinburne University (2011) and is currently the ASTRO3D research fellow at the University of Sydney.

Being very idealistic, Caroline often wonders whether doing astronomy is a sufficiently purposeful endeavour. Astronomy is usually non-threatening and of universal interest. While her research on galaxy formation and evolution will not save lives directly, scientific literacy will. Learning what the scientific method is and how it works through astronomy can impact someone’s decision to trust vaccines or the latest research on climate change.