My research interests include astrophysical fluid dynamics with emphasis on convective dynamics and scale selection, turbulence, the excitation of the solar/stellar p-modes, and the origin of solar/stellar irradiance variations. Investigations range from studying highly simplified turbulent analogs based on point vortex motions to realistic simulations of radiative magnetohydrodynamics, spectral synthesis, and spectropolarimetric inversions. Served as instrument scientist for the Precision Solar Photometric Telescope (PSPT) at Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO) over its period of operation from 1999 to 2015, and led the Critical Science Plan effort for the National Solar Observatory's (NSO's) 4m solar telescope, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST). Recent work, focuses on contact statistics in random walks and turbulent flows, and epidemiological modeling.
ASTR 1040 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Sun, stars, birth and death of stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and the organization and origins of the universe. May require nighttime observing sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Includes a recitation. Taught at a higher intellectual level including a significant amount of quantitative analysis. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1200.
ASTR 3760 - Solar and Space Physics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2026
Explores the physical processes linking the Sun and planets, emphasizing solar radiative and particulate variability and the response of planetary atmospheres and magnetospheres. Topics include the solar dynamo, solar wind, coronal mass ejections, cosmic ray modulation, magnetospheres, aurora, the space environment, and climate variability. Recommended prerequisite: PHYS 3310. Elective for APS major and minor.
ASTR 3800 - Introduction to Scientific Data Analysis and Computing
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2025
Introduces scientific data analysis from a practical perspective. Covers statistical analysis, model fitting, error analysis, theoretical compliance and image analysis with examples from space-based and ground-based astronomy. Elective for APS major. Opened to qualified non-majors with instructor consent.
ASTR 5120 - Radiative and Dynamical Processes
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
An introduction to radiative and dynamical processes aimed at graduate students in astrophysics, space physics and planetary science. Covers transport phenomena, the macroscopic treatment of radiation fields, magnetohydrodynamics and dynamical processes associated with planetary orbits and N-body systems.
ASTR 5540 - Mathematical Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2025
Presents an applied mathematics course designed to provide the necessary analytical and numerical background for courses in astrophysics, plasma physics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and radiation transfer. Topics include integration techniques, linear and nonlinear differential equations, WKB and Fourier transform methods, adiabatic invariants, partial differential equations, integral equations, and integrodifferential equations. Draws illustrative examples from the areas of physics listed above. Same as ATOC 5540.
ASTR 5835 - Seminar in Planetary Science
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025
Studies current research on a topic in planetary science. Students and faculty give presentations. Subjects may vary each semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours to meet candidacy requirements. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics. Same as ATOC 5835 and ERTH 5835.
ATOC 5540 - Mathematical Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Applied mathematics course; provides necessary analytical background for courses in plasma physics,fluid dynamics, electromagnetism, and radiative transfer. Covers integration techniques, linear and nonlinear differential equations, WKB and Fourier transform methods, adiabatic invariants, partial differential equations, integral equations, and integrodifferential equations. Same as ASTR 5540.
