Alexis Leali

Alexis (Lexi) Leali (She/they)

PhD Physics

Professional bio:

I am a second year physics PhD student at UMN. Currently I am doing gravitational lensing research under Prof. Liliya Williams. I have B.S. degrees in Physics, Astronomy, and Applied Mathematics from the University of Iowa. In undergrad I was able to do research analyzing reflected ions from the moon under Prof. Jasper Halekas; as well as Projective Geometry and Cosmology/Gravitation under Prof. Vincent Rodgers. Before moving to Minnesota I did a year of post-bacc research analyzing pulsating aurora for Prof. Allison Jaynes at UIowa. I look forward to learning about analyzing multi-messenger events, especially relating to gravitation and cosmology!

Personal bio: 

In my free time I enjoy learning languages, staying active, and playing music. I have been in various ensembles playing trumpet, French horn, piano, and cello, and I hope to make music in the community soon. I live with my husband and my bunny rabbit, Hopscotch, by Lake Bde Maka Ska, so I enjoy exploring the area as much as possible! When I need a brain break, you can find me playing cute and cozy video games or cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.