Dr. Andrea Banzatti

Why is TXST a good place to pursue your research?

Personally, because of the good balance between research and education. I have been interested in both since the time of my Ph.D., and I found TXST as my natural home because it values both. I love both research and teaching, and here I can do both.

Big picture, how do you hope your research can benefit humanity?

By showing some of the hidden beauty that is around us. Well, in my case that is in space! I study water in space and that’s not only related to our very existence as life on Earth, but spectra (the type of data I study) are intrinsically very beautiful, and it takes time to learn to see their beauty. And also by inspiring others to discover their desire and talents and use them to go beyond and understand the world — “reach for the stars!” as my sister many years ago wished me. These two are always my biggest hopes whether I research or teach. 

What accomplishment at TXST has meant the most to you?

In these six years my research group has designed and developed two major research tools that nobody else in the world has done and that are changing the way we do science in my field: a spetroscopic database to study the chemistry of exoplanet formation around other stars, and the first interactive tool to analyze spectra from the James Webb Space Telescope. Both achievements are the unexpected result of working with the right people at the right time, including several talented TXST students from physics and computer science. In terms of personal accomplishments, receiving the Presidential Seminar Award in 2025 for my research achievements with the James Webb Space Telescope has been a tremendous honor that is at the top of my personal list.

What makes working with students meaningful for you?

Whatever we do as a profession, we all desire to leave a legacy, to communicate the value that we have found in our work. If we cannot give to others, we feel diminished as human beings — I think this is a common experience. In this sense, education is not a choice: we all express a value in what we do, it could be a selfish value, or it could be a value that inspires others. In my life I have been lucky to have many exceptional teachers, who still inspire me today after many years. The most meaningful aspects of working with students for me are in two directions: I wish to tell them the value I have discovered in my work and life so far (down to the details of specific techniques I learned to better analyze astronomical data), and I need to see students who wish to learn, who are serious, hard workers, and who are determined to give their best. I have met several students like that at TXST, and each one is very inspiring to me and reminds me of the curiosity and desire we are all born with.

What inspires you when you come to work each day?

Scientific discovery is a profound experience that none of us probably fully appreciates, but it is a very powerful experience of wonder that has a strong attracting energy. Every day I wish to do better than the day before, discover more in the data, understand better what we see in the universe, and see more of the beauty and unity that exists in nature. I also wish to understand more of who I am, the meaning of my life, and I always invite my students to consider this fundamental aspect for them too. As human beings, we are all born researchers, no matter our specific profession. Perhaps our only real duty in life is to search for its meaning and express it as best as we can, for the benefit of others. Our role as scientific researchers can be to help others maintain the wonder toward the beauty of nature in its astonishing details, from the hidden perfection of a little flower up to the majestic elegance of a whole galaxy.