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ABOUT ME

I became interested in science from an early age and grew to appreciate astronomy greatly throughout my childhood.  My interest in planets evolved from watching science fiction dramas like Star Trek: TNG and Contact due to their exploratory nature of alien worlds.

As a graduate student, I discovered that it was possible to have a career exploring alien worlds, no starship required.  From there, I became interested in the dynamics of planetary orbits and the possible origins of planets.

Today, I am an Assistant Professor at Valdosta State University in the Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geosciences, and Engineering Technology (PAGET).   In my research, I use numerical methods to explore the dynamical nature of planetary systems that orbit single stars like TRAPPIST-1 and those that have more than one stellar host like the Kepler circumbinary planets or the potential for planets orbiting Alpha Centauri AB.

EDUCATION

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Exoplanets in Binary Star Systems

  • Alpha Centauri AB

  • Proxima Centauri

  • Kepler Circumbinary planets

  • RV Circumprimary planets

2002 - 2006

Texas Christian University

    -- B.S. Physics & Astronomy

Solar System Dynamics

  • Terrestrial planet formation (from embryos)

  • Formation of the Moon

  • Bombardment

  • Orbital evolution of the giant planets

  • Nice model

  • Kuiper Belt

Exoplanet Discovery and Characterization

  • Kepler Object of Interest (KOI) catalogs

  • Warm, Large Exoplanets (WaLEs)

Obliquity (Axial Tilt) Evolution

  • Solar System planets and analogs

  • Kepler-62e & 62f

  • Kepler-186f

2006 - 2008

Stephen F. Austin State University

  -- M.S. Physics

2008 - 2012

University of Texas -- Arlington

   -- Ph.D. Physics

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