Research
Most of our research involves the detection and
characterization of exoplanets. We are also developing new tools for the
Starchive. I strive to host an organized & equitable research group where
students are encouraged to ask questions and work together.
TESS TOI Planet Follow-up
We are using EPRV measurements to confirm
and get planet mass estimates of TESS TOIs which include young stars and M-dwarfs with mini-neptune planets using the IRTF/iSHELL
and WIYN/NEID instruments. This is in collaboration with Dr. Peter
Plavchan and his students at GMU. The young star program is part of Claire
Geneser's PhD thesis.
The Starchive
The Starchive is a stellar database with an intuitive web application. Users will be able to upload their own meta-data and also makes use of an API. All plots are dynamic and exportable. At the moment the samples include all stars and WDs within 30pc, all brown dwarfs, and stars with planets and disks.
LCAM and LUSTER
We are collaborating with Dr. Tabetha Boyajian and others at
LSU and Jon Morse of AstronetX on a telescope called LCAM to be placed on an
upcoming lunar lander. The telescope and UV sensitive detector will collect
transmission spectra of a sample of bright transiting Jupiter-sized planets to
constrain their atmospheric properties.
Landolt
We are working with Dr. Peter Plavchan and astronomers at Goddard, NIST and Caltech on a 16U CubeSat with a suite of SI-calibrated optical and infrared lasers which will be observed by ground-based telescopes to allow for an improvement in absolute flux calibrations. These improvements will impact exoplanet, stellar astronomy, cosmology and beyond.
Teaching and Mentorship
I refuse to let my teaching and mentoring techniques go stagnant as the students and teaching methods are constantly changing along with our knowledge of the Universe. I have had the privledge of mentoring some amazing MSU students and faculty.
Current Students
- I am currently working with one undergrad student and will be looking for a graduate student for Fall 2026 to work on the Landolt mission.
Educational Projects
- Astronomy Education Google Drive
- Dept Teaching Materials Drive
- On-line Astronomy Labs
- VR Planetarium
Previous Students
- Claire Geneser, PhD 2025
- Farzanah Zohrabi, Masters 2020, LSU PhD student
- Amy Ray, Masters 2015, TCU PhD student
- Chris Ramos, Masters 2012
- Randy Niffeneger, BS 2019, MBA Perdue
Classes Taught
- PH 1063: Descriptive Astronomy
- PH 1031:
First Year Experience X-Files: A Critical Thinking Adventure
- PH 2213: Physics I (calculus-based)
- PH 3063: Astrophysics
- PH 4513/6513: Optics
Service
In addition to the typical academic service, I enjoy hosting telescope viewing events for the local community, giving public astronomy talks, and working on efforts to make astronomy and physics a more diverse and equitble community for future generations. We still have a long way to go.
National
- 2024-present NASA SAG 24 member
- 2024-present NOIRLab User Group
- 2020-2021 NASA SAG 22 member
- Participant in multiple NASA/NSF Grant panels
- Participant in multiple Telescope Allocation Committees
Education and Outreach
- 2019-present Skype a Scientist participant
- 2015-present Monthly Radio Segment on MSU WMSV
- 2017 co-Organized MSU Solar Eclipse Viewing
- 2011-present Multiple telescope observing events including Howell at the Moon and May the 4th
JEDI
- 2020-present APS IDEA and AIP Team-Up programs
- Member MSU P&A Diversity Team
- Chair, ad Hoc committee to remove Physics Qualfier exam
- Chair, MSU P&A Climate Survey