Research Interests🪐
My biggest interest in the universe lies in the intersection of planetary science & statistical analysis. The former allows me to delve into the complexities of planetary atmospheres and the potential for life beyond Earth, and the latter provides tools to extract meaningful insights from vast astronomical datasets.
We are entering an EXCITING big-data era. As we stand on the brink of deploying next-generation observatories and telescopes, we are able to delve deeper into the cosmos than ever before. These advancements address one of humanity's most profound questions:
What is the potential for life beyond Earth?
My current master's thesis work integrates high-resolution spectroscopic analysis, Bayesian inference, and time series analysis to dissect the complexities of exoplanet atmospheres.
Below, you can read about some of my current and past research efforts.
Exoplanet Atmospheres
Detecting SiO in the Atmosphere of the Ultra Hot Jupiter WASP-178b
Hot Jupiters offer a unique laboratory to test our methods for probing exoplanet atmospheres. Working with HST STIS data, I’ve applied jitter detrending and Bayesian inference techniques to correct near-UV light curves and generate high-resolution transmission spectra. By using in-band/out-of-band methods combined with molecular line lists (ExoMol), I’ve aimed to identify silicon monoxide (SiO) and better understand the chemical composition and structure of these extreme worlds. This research highlights the importance of refined observational techniques and robust modeling strategies as we move closer to detecting biosignatures on more temperate exoplanets.
Results coming soon!
Stellar Atmosphere Models
Stellar atmosphere models provide essential benchmarks for interpreting exoplanet transit spectroscopy and stellar population studies. I have studied the evolution from traditional 1D Kurucz ATLAS12 models to advanced 3D simulations like the Stagger-grid. Through careful literature review and comparative analysis, I have examined how improved modeling accuracy—achieved by incorporating realistic convection physics and radiative transfer—enhances our ability to interpret observed stellar spectra and refine fundamental stellar parameters.
Habitability of Circumbinary Planets
Binary star systems present an intriguing puzzle: can Earth-sized planets reside in stable, life-supporting orbits around two suns? Through a combination of Monte Carlo simulations and N-body modeling, my work focuses on determining orbital stability and delineating habitable zones in these dynamic environments. By simulating a range of planet formation scenarios, I explore how gravitational interactions shape planetary climates and whether these systems could support conditions conducive to life.
Galactic Structure and Stellar Populations
Kinematics, Membership, and Origin of SMCNOD
Dwarf galaxies like the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) offer invaluable clues to galaxy formation and evolution. In my research on the SMC Northern Over-Density (SMCNOD), I employed hierarchical mixture models and MCMC sampling to identify and classify stellar populations from survey data. This approach uncovered new insights into the kinematics and membership probabilities of stellar groups, ultimately shedding light on the origins and evolutionary paths of dwarf galaxy substructures.
