I am an associate professor at Elon University with research interests in the nebular astrophysics of galaxies. I earned my PhD in Astrophysics from Michigan State University and graduated from Eastern Illinois University Magna Cum Laude with degrees in Physics and Applied Physics. My teaching is largely inspired by the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and I was recently named as a CATL Scholar to develop Python Jupyter Notebooks as an educational tool for upper level astronomy courses. As such, I'm a member of the Enhancing Science Courses by Integrating Python (ESCIP) collaboration where I'm a regular contributor. I actively engage with the community through public talks ranging from exoplanets to black holes and spanning a wide range of audiences.
My general area of interest concerns the microphysics of emission line regions using numerical simulations. Running highly detailed computations on off-site supercomputers allows our group to analyze the results of simulations in a fraction of the time that would be required on traditional desktop / laptop computers. Specifically, my main interests pertain to metal-poor starburst galaxies, compact objects in dwarf galaxies, galaxy chemical evolution, and H2 in extreme environments. Explore the topics below to see specific research opportunities in each of these areas.
The output from the model grids used in our simulations can be accessed here. Additional output or model grids are available upon request.
Distant galaxies give us a glimpse into the conditions present during the early stages of the universe. Local analogues to these galaxies allow more detailed observations to constrain galaxy evolution and chemical enrichment. All large galaxies, like the Milky Way, contain a central supermassive black hole with smaller black holes littered throughout the galaxy. Intermediate mass black holes, a class between these two extremes, remain relatively rare, but dwarf galaxies provide the best chance for finding them. Harsh astrophysical enviroments like the regions surrounding supernova remnants or active black holes can actually harbor molecular gas. Understanding the nature of this gas provides insight into the building blocks for more complex molecules and gas reservoir available for feeding accreting black holes. Our research team consists of a larger number of undergraduate students and two Elon faculty members. Students can start working on projects as early as their first year at Elon, fully engage in every step of the scientific process, and learn skills that will serve them well in their careers or graduate school.
Local analogues to early universe galaxies
Intermediate mass black holes in dwarf galaxies
Molecular hydrogen in extreme environments
Our Research Team
I'm passionate about creating a connection between the community and the latest discoveries in astronomy. From the most recent images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope to the first image of a black hole taken by the Event Horizon Telescope, conveying the scientific importance of these results is one of the most exciting parts of my profession. From K-12 students to lifelong amateur astronomers, I feel that a properly communicated presentation should be accessible to any audience.
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Elon University's Society of Physics Students (SPS) has been awarded the outstanding chapter designation by SPS National for several years in a row. Elon SPS consists of both physics and non-physics members that hold weekly meetings to conduct fun experiments over pizza, invite scientists to present their work, and host university wide "geek" trivia at a local coffee shop.
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