Meet Jennifer Mack - Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) Consulting Staff Scientist at STScI

As we mark 34 years of Hubble's remarkable journey of discovery, it's a moment to reflect on the individuals like Jennifer Mack, whose dedication has been pivotal. Jennifer's trajectory at STScI since 1996 embodies innovation and collaboration, now leading calibration efforts for Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) as a Consulting Staff Scientist, demonstrating its adaptability.

With detectors spanning Ultraviolet to Infrared wavelengths, WFC3 under Jennifer's team's guidance empowers astronomers globally with precise data. JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) further validates WFC3's contributions, affirming vital insights into cosmic distances and the Universe's expansion.

Hubble's ongoing mission assures continued invaluable contributions to astronomy, while collaboration with JWST propels us into new realms of understanding.

We had the privilege of speaking with Jennifer, gaining insight into her journey and unwavering commitment to the Hubble Mission.

• Can you tell us about the journey at STScI that led to your current role?

?I joined STScI in 1996, just months before NASA’s second servicing mission to Hubble. As a Data Analyst II (with a recent MS in astrophysics), I would help calibrate Hubble’s newest instruments (STIS and NICMOS) ?and support local science teams whose proposals had won observing time on the telescope.? These two roles allowed for a ‘cross-fertilization’ of ideas and a sense of the needs of the astronomical community when Hubble was relatively new.?

?Since then, I’ve worked on several generations of instruments installed in additional Hubble servicing missions, and I am grateful for all I have learned from my colleagues and mentors throughout my career.? Currently as a ‘Consulting Staff Scientist’, I support the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), Hubble’s main imaging camera which was installed in 2009.

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• How have you been supporting the Hubble Telescope?

WFC3 is actually two detectors: a CCD for ultraviolet and visible light observations and an infrared detector whose longer wavelengths overlap with the James Webb Space Telescope. This overlap allows us to cross-calibrate between Hubble and Webb using the same stars. As the WFC3 Calibration Lead, I work closely with other team members to monitor the performance of our detectors, to create accurate data products for our public archive (MAST), and to enable the research of astronomers across the world.? I also enjoy developing python software tutorials to assist Hubble users in aligning and combining large sets of observations to produce mosaics of the sky with exquisite resolution and depth.?

?I find it very rewarding to work with such a creative and dedicated science and engineering staff who are deeply connected to their work and the success of the Hubble mission. This is the reason I have stayed at STScI for so many years.

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• What is the most memorable thing about your work with Hubble’s instrumentation?

?After each Hubble servicing mission, the astronaut crew would visit and give an inspiring talk and Q&A session with staff and their families. When they joined us afterwards for a reception, I was surprised that they were as thrilled to meet us as we were to meet them. They asked us many questions about what we expected to learn with the new instruments, and later one of the astronauts came to work at STScI as the Deputy Director.?

?Compare that to career day at my local middle school and how starstruck the kids were when seeing the latest Hubble images. They realized how much we have learned since the telescope was launched and wondered what new discoveries might be possible in their lifetimes. Even after 34 years, Hubble continues to fascinate the public and inspire the newest generation of scientists worldwide.

• ?What excites you most about the future of your instrument and the Hubble Telescope?

?Orbiting above the Earth’s atmosphere gives Hubble exquisitely sharp images compared to most ground-based telescopes.? With several observing modes (imaging, grism spectroscopy, and spatial scanning) and a broad wavelength range, WFC3 comprises just over half of the requests for observing time on Hubble and supports a breadth of science research. Its unique capabilities are highly valued by the astronomical community who continue to find new and innovative ways to use the instrument.? While Webb is breaking new ground in astronomy, it is also confirming important science results discovered with WFC3 over the past 15 years; for example, our estimates of cosmic distances, the Universe’s rate of expansion, and its predicted age. (link here: https://webbtelescope.org/contents/early-highlights/webb-confirms-accuracy-of-universes-expansion-rate-measured-by-hubble ).?

?Hubble is expected to operate for many years to come. The power of HST and JWST working together, each with their own strengths and unique capabilities, is exciting to witness as we break new ground in astronomy and continue to rewrite the textbooks!