Research Areas: Cataclysmic Variable Stars; Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics; White Dwarf Evolution; White Dwarf Pulsation; Time-Series Analysis

We study both theoretical and observational aspects of close interacting binary stars and of the white dwarf stars. Our primary research area is the numerical modeling of the accretion flows between the interacting close binary stars known as “cataclysmic variables.” (See link at left!). We model the fluid dynamics of accretion disks and use the model results to improve our understanding of the observations of these systems, and to generate computer animations of cataclysmic variable systems for use in the classroom. We also observe these systems on a frequent basis using the SARA 0.9-m Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Click here to listen to a radio interview broadcast 10/15/2002 on WFIT. Want to see some real data? Click here to see time series data from CVs and pulsating white dwarfs!

We now have an Astronomy & Astrophysics Public Lecture Series! Approximately once a month we'll have a Friday evening lecture on a topic of general interest, followed by public telescope viewing on our new Observing Deck, weather permitting.

I am also the program director for the NSF-funded SARA Research Experiences for Undergraduates site program. The program brings in 11-12 talented undergraduates from around the country to work full time for 10 weeks during the summer, working one-on-one with a faculty mentor from one of the SARA universities