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Research Focus
My research is concerned with the the existence of small planetary bodies in the same orbit as Neptune and the ability of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) to observe variable events outside the Solar System. LSST is a planned ground-based telescope with a large (8.4 m) main mirror that will image the entire Southern Hemisphere sky every 3 days. LSST is currently under construction in Chile and will take its first images in 2015.
Description of
Research
I graduated from Florida Institute of Technology in the spring of 2008 with a Bachelor's of Science, magna cum laude, in Physics. I have continued my studies at Florida Tech seeking my Master of Science in Space Sciences.
I am engaged in research aimed at discovering small planetary objects (less than 500 km across) occupying the same orbit as Neptune. Currently, only 6 of these objects have been found; it is estimated that thousands could exist. Additionally, I am concerned with how well scientific information from observations made by LSST can be recovered. One example of scientific information we could recover is the metal content of a star. Using computer models of the telescope and stars, I am testing the limits of LSST's vision
Example of How My
Research is Integrated into My GK-12 Experience
Previously, I researched the solar magnetic field and the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth. I incorporate my research into my GK-12 work by bringing in new views on existing materials; things such as lightning and the emptiness of space might not be as straightforward as they seem. My research has allowed me to present material to the students that probably will not make its way to a textbook anytime in the near future.
Profile date:
February 16, 2009
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