UC Davis Professor of Physics and Astronomy Andrew Wetzel has been appointed to the newest class of the U.S. Defense Science Study Group, or DSSG, a program directed by the Institute for Defense Analyses. The program invites outstanding science and engineering professors to apply their skills and research to the United States’ security challenges. Wetzel is one of 18 selected for the 2027-2028 cohort.
“I feel honored and excited to be selected for DSSG,” said Wetzel. “I am eager to learn more about the many facets of our national security program, especially the role of science and technology, and to help build bridges with academia, including our campus.”
A theoretical and computational astrophysicist and cosmologist, Wetzel generates simulations to model the formation of cosmic structures. These simulations are used to study star and galaxy formation, stellar nucleosynthesis and the nature of dark matter.
Wetzel is particularly interested in the formation of the Milky Way galaxy. He is a member of the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE) project, which aims to better understand the cosmological context of the formation and evolution of galaxies.
In 2025, Wetzel was awarded a Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering.
During the two-year program, Wetzel and others in his cohort will meet for 20 days per year to learn about and discuss defense policy, related research and development, and the systems, missions and operations of the armed forces and the intelligence community. They’ll interact with top-level officials from the Department of Defense and various intelligence agencies and gain insights into the technical dimensions of national security. They will also present research-based 'think pieces,' applying their expertise to address specific challenges in national security.
“This will be an opportunity to learn much more about our national program in security and defense, including 'in the field' visits to armed forces facilities, intelligence agencies and defense laboratories, and meetings with members of Congress,” Wetzel said.
The DSSG was launched in 1986 and is sponsored by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology.
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