NASA FINESST PhD Candidate specializing in cosmic dust produced by massive evolved binary stars

A woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a black blazer and a white top with a necklace, standing outdoors in front of green foliage with some pink and yellow leaves.

Emma P. Lieb

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About Me

I earned my B.S. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado Boulder, during which I was involved in several research labs. These included the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics where I worked on solar and planetary data analysis, as well as JILA, where I performed theoretical galactic evolution modelling. Following my undergraduate studies, I began my PhD at the University of Denver under Dr. Jennifer Hoffman. My thesis focuses on dust produced by Wolf-Rayet binary stars. I aim to expand my research focus in my postdoctoral work to studying cosmic dust in a broader range of astrophysical environments. I expect to graduate no later than Spring of 2027.

Research Focus

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Research Focus |

Cosmic Dust

Monet is a lifelong educator with a passion for creating accessible, engaging learning experiences. Known for a calm, encouraging teaching style, Monet believes that growth happens when learners feel both challenged and supported.

Evolved Binary Stars

Emmett is a detail-oriented instructor who’s spent the past decade helping people develop new tools, habits, and mindsets. Their approach is clear, practical, and always infused with curiosity and care.

JWST Data, Polarimetry, & Modeling

Eleanor's background spans education, coaching, and creative development. With a strong focus on process and progress, Eleanor helps learners move from where they are to where they want to be—one step at a time.

Publications

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Publications ~

  • Dynamic Imprints of Colliding-wind Dust Formation from WR 140

    Emma P. Lieb, Ryan M. Lau, Jennifer L. Hoffman, Michael F. Corcoran, Macarena Garcia Marin, Theodore R. Gull; et al. (2025)

    IOP Science
    Comparison of a galaxy image taken in July 2022 and September 2023 showing changes over time, with a zoomed-in section of the galaxy's spiral structure.

  • Polarimetric Variability Hints at Long-term Structural Changes in CV Ser

    Emma P. Lieb, Jennifer L. Hoffman, Noel Richardson, Anthony F. J. Moffat, and Kenneth H. Nordsieck (2025)

    IOP Science
    Scientific scatter plot graph showing data from 1987-1988 and 2017-2021, with different colored points and confidence ellipses, labeled axes '%Q' and '%L', and a legend indicating data sources.

  • Bar-driven leading spiral arms in a counter-rotating dark matter halo

    Emma Lieb, Angela Collier, and Ann-Marie Madigan (2022)

    NASA ADS
    A computer-generated visualization of galaxy distribution showing leading arms of a galaxy, with a bright core and spiral arms, over 6.5 billion years.

  • Carbon-rich Dust Injected into the Interstellar Medium by Galactic WC Binaries Survives for Hundreds of Years

    Noel D. Richardson, Micaela Henson, Emma P. Lieb, Corey Kehl, Ryan M. Lau, Peredur M. Williams, Michael F. Corcoran, J. R. Callingham, André-Nicolas Chené, et al. (2025)

    IOP Science

  • A Possible Changing Systemic Velocity for CV Serpentis: Further Evidence of a Third Body in the Dust-making Wolf–Rayet Binary?

    Em Biegler, Noel D. Richardson, André-Nicolas Chené, Emma P. Lieb, and William Punches (2026)

    IOP Science

  • Can the Dust Eclipses in WR 104 Provide Constraints on the System’s Inclination?

    Noel D. Richardson, Ryan M. T. White, Anthony J. Fabrega, Emma P. Lieb, André-Nicolas Chené, Peter G. Tuthill, John D. Monnier, Grant M. Hill, Peredur M. Williams, Anthony F. J. Moffat, and Gerd Weigelt (2026)

    IOP Science