Publications: ADS | arXiv | inSPIRE

Research Fields:

• Extragalactic Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Galactic Astronomy & Astrophysics

Harper's research deals with problems of formation of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems, physics of the interstellar medium, and properties of interstellar dust. His experimental research group constructs and operates infrared instrumentation. He helped pioneer astronomical research on airborne telescopes, and at the South Pole. His group is currently constructing the facility far infrared camera for NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Far Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

Past Graduate Students: Reid Sherman (2011, Astronomy and Astrophysics); David M. Cole (1999, Astronomy and Astrophysics)

Past courses:

• [ASTR 18300] Searching Between the Stars: 2020 - 2021 (Spring); 2019 - 2020 (Winter); 2016 - 2017 (Winter); 2011 - 2012 (Winter); 2010 - 2011 (Winter); 2009 - 2010 (Spring); 2008 - 2009 (Winter); 2007 - 2008 (Winter)
• [ASTR 21200] Observational Techniques in Astrophysics: 2020 - 2021 (Winter); 2019 - 2020 (Spring); 2018 - 2019 (Spring); 2017 - 2018 (Spring)
• [ASTR 28200] Current Topics in Astrophysics: 2011 - 2012 (Spring); 2010 - 2011 (Spring)
• [ASTR 30300] Interstellar Matter: 2015 - 2016 (Winter); 2013 - 2014 (Winter); 2012 - 2013 (Winter); 2008 - 2009 (Spring); 2007 - 2008 (Spring); 2006 - 2007 (Spring); 2004 - 2005 (Spring)
• [ASTR 36100] Interstellar Medium: 2009 - 2010 (Winter)

Past Department Committees:

• Stone Edge Observatory: 2018 - 2019
• Yerkes Legacy: 2018 - 2019
• Website: 2018 - 2019 (Chair) | 2017 - 2018 (Chair)
• Undergraduate Committee: 2017 - 2018 | 2016 - 2017 | 2015 - 2016
• Graduate Committee: 2014 - 2015 (Chair)
• Adler Planetarium Committee: 2016 - 2017 | 2015 - 2016 | 2014 - 2015 | 2011 - 2012
• Candidacy: 2014 - 2015 | 2013 - 2014 | 2011 - 2012
• Time Allocation: 2011 - 2012
• Graduate Admissions: 2013 - 2014 | 2010 - 2011 (Chair)