My name is Galen Bergsten (he/they), a graduate student at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.
My undergraduate degree is from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, where I studied physics/astronomy and biology while working with Dr. Gail Zasowski on stellar populations and the interstellar medium. After graduating in 2020, I started graduate school at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, where I now work with Dr. Ilaria Pascucci on exoplanet demographics.
I am interested in quantitative astrobiology, and enjoy using my biology background to assess potential biosignatures. My days are a mix of research, mentoring, and DEI service — including developing accessibility software for those who need to code without using their hands.
Outside of academia, I love cooking, volleyball, reading manga, and playing indie games.

Research
I study populations of exoplanets, and how the properties of planets depend on the properties of their host stars.
Other Stuff
I make art, play videogames, and cultivate extremely niche statistics on my favorite media.
Click here to view my CV.