Meet Dr Ge (Wendy) Chen: Radio Astronomer and Our New Resident Fellow
“I was brought here by fate, cute quokka photos and the Murchison Widefield Array telescope.”
That’s Dr Ge (Wendy) Chen’s answer to what brought her to Western Australia.
Wendy joined the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy in July 2026 as a postdoctoral researcher and is now also a Resident Fellow at St Catherine’s Curtin Campus.
Her academic journey has taken her from McGill University in Canada, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics, to the California Institute of Technology, where she completed her PhD in Physics. Her doctoral research investigated fast radio bursts using observations from the Deep Synoptic Array.
At Curtin, Wendy is now using data from the Murchison Widefield Array in Western Australia to study long-period transients, a recently discovered class of radio sources within our Galaxy.
But her curiosity about science began much earlier.
A curiosity that started early
Wendy is the only person in her extended family to have studied science or engineering.
That curiosity was encouraged by the children’s science books her mother read to her from an early age, eventually leading her to physics and astronomy.
Asked how she would explain her work to a St Catherine’s resident over dinner, Wendy keeps it simple:
“I study periodic radio pulses from our Galaxy. It helps to understand the physics of massive stars during the late stage of their lives.”
Her research interests span radio transients and fast radio bursts, using observational data and statistical modelling to better understand their origins, physical properties and environments.
From Caltech to Curtin
Before moving to Western Australia, Wendy studied and worked in North America, including eight years at Caltech completing her PhD.
She joined the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy in July 2026, where she now uses data from the Murchison Widefield Array in her research into long-period transients.
Her move to Western Australia also brings the chance to experience a new culture and way of life, something that influenced her decision to become part of the St Cat’s community.
Joining the St Catherine’s community
As a Resident Fellow, Wendy is experiencing Australian residential college life for the first time. She was drawn to St Catherine’s by the opportunity to live within a community and learn more about Australian culture and everyday life.
Wendy brings an international academic perspective to the College, together with experience in research, physics and undergraduate teaching.
For residents considering where their own studies and interests might lead them, there is one piece of advice she hopes they remember:
“When there is a choice, follow your energy and study what makes you really excited.”
Quick Fire with Wendy
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Favourite country you’ve visited?
Italy
One place still on your travel bucket list?
“Too many of them. For example, Tanzania for the Safari and the Kilimanjaro hike.”
Favourite cuisine?
Greek
One item you never travel without?
Ear plugs
Morning person or night owl?
Night owl
Learn more about Wendy’s research, education and academic background on her Resident Fellow profile.
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