My Research

Source inference for the upcoming LISA gravitational wave detector amounts to a global fit for

its thousands of overlapping signals, where both the number of signals and their parameters are

unknown. The resulting multi- and trans-dimensional posterior represents the statistical properties

of the data, but is hard to interpret.

We present a method, Petra, to convert the global fit

posterior to a catalog of sources.

We introduce the catalog as the combined distribution that

optimally separates the various signals. To compute the catalog, we iteratively fit source labeling

distributions from the posterior samples and reassign the posterior samples to each source label.

We demonstrate the efficacy of this method to separate overlapping or even bimodal distributions

with a Gaussian toy model and sinusoidal signals. We further apply it to simulated data for LISA

galactic binaries and show that we can distinguish different sources and recover their properties

from a global fit posterior. Such catalog construction methods are essential for distilling LISA’s

signal-rich data to interpretable summaries.

We are investigating if the orbital geometry of exoplanets affects the activity of their host star by studying a sample of planetary systems known to contain massive planets on short period, highly elliptical orbits. While recent studies in the optical, UV, and X-Ray have shown enhanced chromospheric activity for stars hosting exoplanets with orbital semi-major axes less than 0.1 AU, it is not yet clear whether this activity is driven by magnetic or tidal interactions.  We are probing the dependence of star-planet interactions (SPI) on the orbital geometry of the planetary systems by analyzing chromospheric lines (such as Ca II H & K) for variability phased with the exoplanet's orbit. We have obtained high resolution spectra of several systems with the McDonald 2.1-m Sandiford echelle spectrograph, ARCES on the APO 3.5-m, and HIRES on Keck I from the Keck Observatory Archive. We describe our methodology and present how our measured optical emission as a function of orbital phase will be used to deduce how planets may affect the activity of their host stars.  LINK

 I’m currently working on developing a dashboard for exoplanets that will provide an engaging overview of all discovered exoplanets. This dashboard will feature interactive elements that highlight key details, such as each planet's size, distance from its star, and potential habitability. Users will be able to explore fascinating facts and visualize data in a user-friendly format, making it easier to understand the diverse worlds beyond our solar system. It’s an exciting project that aims to spark curiosity and deepen our appreciation for the universe! 

 I'm currently working on data analysis for the LISA detector, where I calculate the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence to compare our observed data against theoretical models. This helps assess how well the data fits with expectations. I also use Monte Carlo simulations to determine the credibility of the data, leveraging probability models to ensure the robustness of our results. This work is crucial in improving the accuracy of LISA’s gravitational wave detections. 

Working on several applets for the LIGO catalog  and developed a dashboard for the LIGO Detection Catalog that provides users with a statistical overview of the confirmed LIGO Detections. Visit the app at: https://gwtc-dash.streamlit.app/

 ABSTRACT: 

Planets interact with their host stars in a variety of ways and one of the ways we
can study these interactions is through the emission lines that are created in the chromosphere, Ca
II H & K in specific. These lines are sensitive to magnetic or tidal influence, and this influence could
come from planets that have a close-in orbit to the host star. Studying these star-planet interactions
can further our understanding of exoplanets and solar evolution. 

For my research study, I took the change in flux from emission lines in the chromosphere and compared them to the position of the planet as it orbited the star. If we can get hot jupiters, that are close to the star and has an eccentric
orbit, we should be able to see if the planet has any distinct interaction with the star, either tidal or
magnetic. I took spectra from the Keck Observational Archive for the star HD 156279 and the hot
Jupiter HD 156279b and measured the flux for 38 observations. Then I plotted it against the phase
or position of the planet and compared it to a work in progress model by Nicolas Iro, that showed
my data suggested I had a magnetic interaction. Further comparisons to work by Evgenya Shkolink
also correlated to a magnetic interaction. 

My research was able to show a magnetic interaction for
my selected system and an indication that the planet HD 156279b has a magnetic field. Further
studies can improve our modeling and understanding of star-planet interactions. 

Habitation Systems Concept Studies: 

In the realm of space habitation systems, life support and Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) suits are crucial components for the success of deep space missions. The Janicki Omni Processor, developed by Sedron Technologies, offers a groundbreaking solution for recycling human waste, generating clean water, energy, and nutrient-rich ash, with the potential to revolutionize waste management in space. While its current size is not suitable for spacecraft, a scaled-down version could utilize spacecraft heat sources, providing sustainability and resource efficiency. In the context of EVA suits, D3O's Super Goo, a lightweight, impact-resistant material, offers the promise of significantly reducing the weight and bulk of EVA suits. When combined with materials like aerogel and advanced nano-monitoring technology, these suits could become lighter, more protective, and better suited for long-duration missions, ultimately enhancing astronaut mobility and safety. These innovations bridge the gap towards making deep space missions more sustainable and resilient.