Astronomy

I study extreme astrophysical systems (particularly, infant supernovae and black holes) in order to use them as probes of high-energy and gravitational phenomena. My research on supernovae focuses on high-cadence observations shortly after explosion to assess impacts of shock physics and compact central remnants, such as magnetars. My work on black holes is centered on the photon ring, a unique spin-sensitive strong-gravity signature that will be made accessible by the upcoming BHEX spacecraft. As a Miller Fellow, I want to more deeply understand what statements can be made about fundamental...

My research interests lie in using near-infrared observations of AGB stars from space-based telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to address pressing questions about cosmic expansion and galaxy evolution. For example, I am interested in developing new techniques to reconstruct the formation histories of galaxies from their resolved AGB stellar populations. I am also interested in using AGB stars to measure distances to nearby galaxies to determine the local expansion rate of the Universe.

Host: Daniel Weisz

Ph.D. Institution: University of Chicago

I have a broad interest in astrophysical and geophysical dynamics, ranging from the Earth-Moon system to extrasolar planets and disks. So far, my research has primarily focused on the theoretical understanding of processes that alter the orbital and rotational evolution of planetary systems. At Berkeley, I aim to combine state-of-the-art geophysical modeling (pertaining to solid/fluid tides in particular) with planetary orbital dynamics, to address some long-standing questions in planetary formation theory and the observed architecture of planetary systems. In parallel, I am interested in...

My research focuses on time domain astronomy and high energy astrophysics. I use sky surveys and multi-wavelength observations to study the most energetic transient phenomena in the Universe, such as the explosion of stars, and the extreme environments around compact objects. At UC Berkeley, I aim to combine observations with theory to understand the accretion and jet physics during the tidal disruption of stars by massive blackholes. I also hope to use these transients to probe the demography of black holes.

Hosts: Wenbin Lu, Raffaella Margutti

Ph.D. Institution: Caltech

Eugene Chiang works in theoretical astrophysics with a focus on planetary science and planet formation --- how micron-sized dust grains assemble into megameter-scale worlds within disks of gas and dust surrounding young stars. He is generally interested in problems in fluid dynamics and orbital mechanics, and has also worked on planetary rings, atmospheric flows, and the N-body problem, all motivated by astronomical observables. His plan as a Miller Professor is to study the origin of planetesimals --- the rocky, icy, km-sized building blocks of planets --- with application to chondritic...

Daniel Weisz uses observations of resolved stars in nearby galaxies as a fossil record of cosmic history. With the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, his group measures the ages, motions, and chemical compositions of individual stars across a wide range of galaxies—from tiny dwarfs to massive ellipticals—to reconstruct how galaxies formed, how their star formation flickered on and off over billions of years, and whether properties such as the distribution of stellar masses at birth are universal. He is also on the leadership team of UVEX, a NASA Explorer mission launching in 2030 that...

My research investigates the dynamical interactions of astrophysical systems. I apply analytical and computational methods to study the formation, evolution, and habitability of planetary systems. Additionally, I also explore high-energy regimes, investigating the origin and interactions of compact objects as sources of gravitational waves, as well as the tidal disruption and dynamical interactions of stars near supermassive black holes.

Host: Eugene Chiang
Home Institution: Georgia Tech