Research

Current research / Stellar astrophysics

Dwarf novae

I am a research assistant working with Dr. Michael Fausnaugh at Texas Tech University. My current research focuses on dwarf novae: interacting binary star systems in which a white dwarf accretes material from a companion star.

These systems undergo recurring outbursts as their accretion disks change state. Their changing brightness offers a window into the physics of accretion and stellar variability.

I bring my interests in astrophysical data analysis and scientific computing to the study of these variable systems.

Artist's illustration of a white dwarf surrounded by an accretion disk drawing material from a red giant companion. — Illustration of a white dwarf accreting material from a red giant companion in a nova system, shown here as an example of accretion in a binary. Credit: M. Weiss, CXC/NASA. Image source: Science News.

Research operations / TESS

TESS imaging pipeline

I also help with operations for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Using the pipeline created by Dr. Michael Fausnaugh, I run image-processing workflows for difference imaging and generate reference and root-mean-square (RMS) images.

Difference imaging

Running the pipeline's difference-imaging workflow.

Reference images

Generating reference images with Dr. Fausnaugh's pipeline.

RMS images

Generating root-mean-square images as part of the imaging workflow.

Why dwarf novae?

Dwarf novae connect the behavior we observe in a star's light curve with the dynamics of an accretion disk. Studying their outbursts helps astronomers investigate how material moves through these disks and why their brightness varies over time.

For an introduction to these systems, see AAVSO's overview of cataclysmic variables.

Previous work