Dr. Merel Van T Hoff

Biography

Merel van 't Hoff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University. She obtained her PhD from Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands, where she worked with Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck and Dr. John Tobin. Following her doctoral studies, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, where she engaged in an independent research program under the mentorship of Prof. Ted Bergin. Her research primarily focuses on unraveling the initial conditions of planet formation, particularly through the study of young protostellar disks embedded within their natal envelopes. Van 't Hoff utilizes molecular line observations and simple chemical modeling to analyze the physical and chemical structure of these disks. She has a keen interest in sublimation fronts and snowlines, which are crucial in understanding the types of planets that can form in varying physical conditions. Van 't Hoff is also actively involved in astronomy outreach, participating in public talks and educational events.

Research Interests

Experience