My broad scientific interests are in stellar astrophysics, with a particular emphasis on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), convection theory, and the use of waves as a seismic probe of stars like the Sun. Over the last five years my research has had two primary thrusts: (1) the seismic analysis of acoustic-gravity waves, Alfvén waves, and magnetosonic waves within the Sun’s atmosphere to probe the star’s interior and corona and (2) the numerical simulation of solar convection aimed at understanding the role that rotation plays in establishing the speed and structure of the convective motions responsible for the Sun’s dynamo. Specific projects have included the helioseismic detection of convective motions and their associated Rossby number below the Sun’s surface, the study of the excitation of coronal-loop oscillations, and a numerical exploration of the properties of convection with high Rayleigh number and low Rossby number in highly stratified fluids.
APPM 2360 - Introduction to Differential Equations with Linear Algebra
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2023
Introduces ordinary differential equations, systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, and systems of linear differential equations. Credit not granted for this course and both MATH 2130 and MATH 3430.
ASTR 5400 - Introduction to Fluid Dynamics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2024
Covers equations of fluid motion relevant to planetary atmospheres and oceans and stellar atmospheres; effects of rotation and viscosity; and vorticity dynamics, boundary layers and wave motions. Introduces instability theory, nonlinear equilibration and computational methods in fluid dynamics. Department enforced prerequisite: partial differential equations or equivalent. Same as ATOC 5400 and PHYS 5400.
ASTR 5540 - Mathematical Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
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.
ATOC 5540 - Mathematical Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
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.
