I am a research student in astrophysics, based at Armagh Observatory, N. Ireland.
My research primarily involves short period stellar variability, this work concentrates on binary star systems and stellar pulsators. I aim to improve our understanding of both the physics of these systems and their Galactic population.
Specifically, I am involved in the study of accreting double-degenerate binary systems known as AM CVn stars. These typically have orbital periods of less than 60 minutes and their population have important implications for the understanding of gravitational waves, hydrogen deficient accretion flows and binary population models.
Recent research results and news
- I will shortly (1 March 2011) be moving to work on the Kepler mission at the NASA Ames Research Center. I will split my time between the Science Office and the Guest Observer Office.
- Stellar variability on time-scales of minutes: results from the first 5 years of the Rapid Temporal Survey (RATS)
- Helium Stars in Violent Flare Ups
- Multi-wavelength observations of the helium dwarf nova KL Dra through its outburst cycle
- Observations of two AM CVn systems in outburst - V406 Hya and SDSS J0129+3842
- Discovery of a dwarf nova through short quasi-periodic oscillations.
- AM CVn system KL Dra observed in outburst using the Liverpool Telescope.
- Discovery of a new eclipsing polar using the XMM-Newton satellite.