Jelle Vandersnickt
Hi there! I’m Jelle, an Astronomy & Astrophysics PhD student at KU Leuven in Belgium. I am passionate about my research and outreach to the general public, with a focus on creating enthusiasm for STEM within the younger generations. Furthermore, I am always on the lookout for currently looking exciting research and outreach opportunities. You can find my contact info here.
Education
I hold two bachelor’s degrees: one in Physics and one in Mathematics. Both were obtained at the KU Leuven. Additionally, I completed the Honours Programme at the Faculty of Science. I obtained my master’s degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics summa cum laude with the congratulations of the examination committee. This degree started with a semester abroad at the University of Toronto with the wonderful people at the DUNLAP Institute and the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Physics (CITA).
My Master’s thesis was on the topic of magneto-asteroseismology, where I investigated the impact of both rotation and a magnetic field on the oscillation frequencies of stars. My work was awarded the Paul Smeyers prize 2025 for best Master’s thesis in Astronomy and Astrophysics at KU Leuven.
From October 2025, I will work to obtain my doctoral degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics at KU Leuven under supervision of Prof. Dr. Conny Aerts.
Personal
As an avid reader, I like to spend my free time curled up with a good book and a nice cup of coffee. Some of my favourite stories include Dune by Frank Herbert, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Dracula by Bram Stoker. Next to reading, I love to go out for a relaxing run!
Awards and Recognitions
⭐️ Paul Smeyers prize 2025 for the best Master’s thesis in the master Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Awarded by the Faculty of Science, KU Leuven.
⭐️ Astronomy & Astrophysics prize 2025 for best student in the master Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Awarded by the Faculty of Science, KU Leuven.
Selected Publications
Vandersnickt, J., Vanlaer, V., Vanrespaille, M., Aerts, C. (2025). Asteroseismic detection of an internal magnetic field in the B0.5V pulsator HD 192575. Astronomy & Astrophysics, Volume 704, L13. (ads)
Vandersnickt, J., Fabry, M. (2025). Effects of limited core rejuvenation on the properties of massive contact binaries. Astronomy & Astrophysics, Volume 695, A223. (ads)