2004-2010, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Ph.D. Candidate - expected completion: May, 2010
M.S. Astronomy - May, 2006
2000-2004, Villanova University, Villanova, PA
B.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics
Summa Cum Laude
Minors: Physics, Cognitive Science
Honors Concentration
Research
Present: Steven Majewski, University of Virginia
Studying rapidly rotating K giant stars and extrasolar planets around evolved stars, particularly whether planets ingested
during a star's evolution is the cause of rapid rotation.
Looking for structures, i.e. star streams or dwarf galaxies, associated with the Milky Way by using 2MASS data on M giant
stars.
Summer 2004: James Thieman, Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA Academy Program)
Writing software to import Radio Jove data (data from amateur radio telescope kit) into IDL for scientific analysis and
studying radio outbursts from Jupiter associated with its moon, Io.
Summer 2003: Peter Nisenson, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (REU Program)
Precisely measuring the radial velocity offset between the stellar "reference spectra" of extrasolar planet
candidate host stars taken before and after a physical upgrade of the AFOE echelle spectrograph.
2002-2004: Edward Sion, University of Virginia
Modeling the ultraviolet spectra of symbiotic variable star systems to study the physical properties of the system,
specifically looking for the presence and nature of associated accretion disks.
Teaching and Professional Development
Tomorrow's Professor Today Program - designed to prepare students for the transition to being an academic profession. Expected completion: 2009
Math Advantage Tutor - personal tutor, 8th grade Algebra I: Aug. 2006- Jun. 2005
University of Virginia TA
ASTR 130 TA - supervise nighttime observing lab: Fall 2004, Fall 2005, Spring 2006
ASTR 130 Head TA - TA supervisor, administrative duties: Fall 2005
"Rood Buddy" - assist Dr. Rood in preparation of ASTR 342 classes, guest lecturing: Spring 2005 & 2006
Constellation Quiz TA - teach students constellations/bright stars and quiz them on their knowledge: Fall 2005
Observational Lab TA - guide students to different observing "stations", give lectures: Fall 2004
Villanova University TA
Lab TA - answer questions/assist students in Intro. Astronomy Computer Labs: Spring 2001-Spring 2004
Peer Tutor - tutored students in Intro. Astronomy classes
Honors/Awards
Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research, 2005
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Honorable Mention, 2004