Who am I?
Who am I?
I'm an astrophysicist passionate about planetary dynamics! Astrophysics is an exciting field that covers a wide array of subdisciplines, allowing us to dive into the incredible life cycles, movements, and even the spectacular endings of astronomical bodies.
My research focuses on the dynamic dance of small celestial bodies in relation to the grand motions of stars. When it comes to exoplanets, this thrilling exploration enhances our observational and theoretical insights, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the universe and the thrilling possibilities for beyond our own planet!
Research
My research focuses on the observation and analysis of planets orbiting multiple suns. Similar to Tatooine, these exoplanets revolve around a binary star system and are increasingly recognized as more than mere science fiction or theoretical anomalies. The Kepler Space Telescope has identified over a dozen binary stars that host at least one circumbinary planet (CBP), where the much smaller stellar binary orbit lies within the larger planetary orbit.
In addition, I am particularly interested in planets that orbit a single star within a binary system. Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Solar System, orbits the binary star system Alpha Centauri AB, which is only ~4 light-years away. My research investigates the dynamics of how an Earth-like planet might orbit either star in this system and the resulting implications for potential life there.
Moreover, I examine the dynamic processes that may have transpired in the early Solar System. Current theories propose that the Moon formed from a significant impact between two protoplanets, prompting my interest in the dynamical state of the early Solar System leading up to this event. Additionally, it is likely that the giant planets underwent considerable orbital changes during this period, with such movements reflected in the small body populations of the Asteroid and Kuiper Belts.
Teaching
I am an educator dedicated to improving students' knowledge in the classroom and the lab. I focus on encouraging active engagement, helping students build a skill set they can use in their future endeavors. Throughout my career, I have mentored undergraduate and graduate students at various universities, with many presenting their research at meetings of the American Astronomical Society, Georgia Academy Sciences, or publishing in major astronomical research journals.
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At the University of Nebraska at Kearney, I taught undergraduate students, as a visiting Assistant Professor, developing lecture and lab curricula for non-STEM majors to enhance their knowledge and confidence.
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At Valdosta State University, I adapted my teaching style to share my expertise in Astronomy and exoplanets with both STEM and non-STEM majors.
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I am currently an Assistant Professor at East Texas A&M University expanding my teaching horizon by incorporating AI-based tools in the classroom.