I am Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University and leader of the Space Ice Group. My research investigates the chemical and physical history of cosmic ices, from cold molecular clouds through star and planet formation to icy planetary environments. I combine laboratory astrophysics, spectroscopy, and astronomical interpretation to determine how molecular complexity is created and transformed, and what is inherited versus chemically reset during the formation of planetary systems.
My work has helped establish that complex organic molecules can form in cold interstellar ices through non-diffusive atom and radical chemistry. I subsequently initiated and led the first laboratory demonstration of non-energetic glycine formation under prestellar conditions, showing that amino-acid chemistry can begin before a star forms.
My research examines how physical and chemical processes act individually and in sequence to determine the evolution of cosmic ices. These processes include atom-addition and radical chemistry, thermal processing, photochemistry, electron- and ion-driven radiation chemistry, energy transfer, and molecular exchange between ice and gas. I investigate how environmental history changes ice structure and molecular composition, and which signatures of that history remain observable as material evolves from molecular clouds into planetary systems.
A central goal is to establish quantitative links between laboratory measurements, astrochemical models, and astronomical observations. My programme develops optical constants, absorption cross sections, and spectroscopic reference data from the vacuum ultraviolet through the infrared and terahertz regimes, together with measurements of reaction pathways, energetic processing, trapping, and molecular release. This work supports the interpretation of JWST and ALMA observations and laboratory studies relevant to Solar-System missions such as JUICE and future far-infrared observatories.
A long-term objective is to advance quantitative space-ice metrology through traceable calibration, quantified uncertainties, reproducible experimental protocols, shared reference datasets, and inter-laboratory comparisons. The aim is to make laboratory measurements sufficiently robust and transferable to distinguish between competing chemical histories of star-forming regions and planetary systems.
My teaching is research-led and focuses on developing independent scientific judgement, quantitative reasoning, and the ability to connect theory, experiment, modelling, and observations. At Bachelor level, I teach Subatomic Physics and Astrophysics and supervise Project in Astrophysics and Bachelor theses. At Master level, I am Module Organizer for Stellar Evolution: From Interstellar Clouds to Supernovae, an interdisciplinary course combining observational astronomy, theoretical modelling, and laboratory astrochemistry, and I supervise Individual Project in Physics projects as preparation for MSc thesis research.
I supervise BSc, MSc, and PhD students in astrophysics and laboratory space science, with emphasis on clear expectations, regular feedback, and progressive transfer of responsibility. Research projects include spectroscopy of space-relevant ices and interpretation of laboratory data in the context of astronomical observations and missions.
As Head of the MSc Degree Programmes in Physics, I contribute to curriculum strategy, course alignment, quality assurance, and progression from advanced coursework to independent research. My broader educational goal is to create a coherent pathway from foundational physics to research independence while aligning advanced teaching with the department’s research strengths and future needs. My teaching practice is supported by a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, and formal training in PhD supervision.
I lead the Space Ice Group’s scientific programme, including research strategy, project development, external collaborations, and supervision of early-career researchers. I am Principal Investigator of the DFF-funded BRIDGE project, From Laboratory Ices to Astronomical Observations, and a Principal Investigator in the Danish National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence InterCat2.
I also serve as Laboratory Coordinator and Management Team member for the JWST Ice Age programme and selected follow-up programmes, and as Head of the MSc Degree Programmes in Physics at Aarhus University. My broader research leadership includes coordinating experimental programmes across Aarhus University and major international research infrastructures.
