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Education
A.S. Physics, Jamestown Community College, 1990
B.S. Physics, The University of Pittsburgh, 1992
Ph.D. Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Pennsylvania
State University, 1998
Research Interests
My research interests are in the origin and evolution of
planet/satellite systems, and particularly in the climatic and dynamic
factors which affect whether a planet or moon can support life. My research
fits best in the category of astrobiology, a new field that has received
considerable professional and public attention lately with the recent
discoveries by other astronomers of Jupiter-sized planets around nearby
stars. These discoveries have opened up many exciting areas of research on
the origin of planets and life that can be tackled by faculty and students
at Behrend College.
Most of my work involves
theoretical modeling of planetary climates and spin-orbit dynamics using
computers. Students are invited to work with me on any research project,
and have the opportunity to do so using the the campus computer labs and
available software to simulate hypothetical planetary systems or to analyze
model data. An attempt is made to engage all interested students in
meaningful research at a level appropriate for their backgrounds and
abilities. Some of the research that I am either working on or thinking
about at the moment includes:
- Climates
of Earth-like planets
- Dynamical
stability of satellite systems
- Origin
of planetary satellites
- Habitability
of extrasolar planets
- Frequency
of impacts on planet and satellite surfaces
Links
NASA Astrobiology
Astronomy at Behrend College
Research
Publications
Listing
Classes
Penn State ANGEL
Website
Last Revised: 24 January 2005
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