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. Most recently, I've been working with a team analyzing CV data obtained from the NASA Kepler satellite.

I am also the program director for the NSF-funded SARA Research Experiences for Undergraduates site program. The program brings in 10 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.