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200939 https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.2.N.200939 http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ All Rights Reserved 2025 258 pages Doctoral Dissertation Academic theses en Archer, Haylee Nichole Windhorst, Rogier Hunter, Deidre Jansen, Rolf Borthakur, Sanch Simon, Molly Arizona State University Partial requirement for: Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2025 Field of study: Astrophysics Star formation shapes the evolution of galaxies, yet many of its core processes remain poorly understood, especially in low-metallicity galaxies. In this dissertation, I explore how stars form in environments lacking heavy elements, specifically focusing on the dwarf irregular galaxy Wolf-Lundmark-Melotte (WLM). By leveraging the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) carbon monoxide (CO) observations, I investigate the role of CO cores and determine their influence on star formation processes in WLM. I further utilize the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging to look for correlations between young stellar populations, molecular gas properties, and the local environment in regions both with and without CO cores. These findings reveal crucial insights into how low metallicity environments affect CO core formation, the relationship between CO and embedded star formation, and the role of CO dark gas in star-forming regions in low-metallicity dwarf galaxies. Additionally, I bridge astrophysics research with astronomy education by analyzing an online lecture tutorial aimed to teach introductory college students about planet formation. I assess student learning gains, address common misconceptions, and explore how interactive, online resources can meaningfully enhance undergraduate astronomy courses. Collectively, these studies enhance the understanding of star formation in low-metallicity environments and provide valuable strategies for effectively engaging students with complex astronomical concepts. Astrophysics science education Dwarf irregular galaxies Lecture-tutorials Local Group Molecular clouds Online Learning Star Formation The Role of CO Cores in Star Formation in the Dwarf Irregular Galaxy WLM