My academic background is in Physics, and my research interests cover planetary sciences, physics/astrophysics education research, and community engagement fieldwork. I am interested in planet-moon interactions in the Solar System and exoplanet systems for planetary research. I perform computer simulations to study the dynamics of these systems and determine their orbital stability in the face of tides and other factors. Most recently, I determined a general stability limit for the moon of a moon, i.e., submoon (Rosario-Franco et al. 2020). Using results from my orbital studies, I examine the potential for (exo)planet-moon systems to be detected by modern radio telescopes. Currently, I'm leading the analysis of the first application of the radio-detection method with data from the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) located in India. I also conduct the survey and analysis of beam-formed observations using the Long Frequency Array (LWA) in New Mexico. For (Astro)physics education research, I've had the opportunity to contribute to aiding the visibility of Physics students from underrepresented communities. Beyond recruitment, retention of students from these communities is a problem that (Astro)Physics departments face, especially at a graduate level. In a collaboration (Sherr et al. 2020), my work sheds light on the graduate experience of Physics students from underrepresented backgrounds and how racial or ethnic isolation in their departments may impact their careers. This study includes suggestions for departments to achieve retention. Most recently, I have been collaborating with CU Next Faculty Project to implement mindful uses of teaching and technology through the undergraduate Learning Assistant (LA) model. Outreach and community engagement fieldwork, I help deliver educational materials in English and Spanish for NASA's PUNCH Mission Outreach Team, Science Through Shadows, and Hispanic Outreach with Fiske and the Observatory Program (of which I am PI).
keywords
planets, moons and satellites, radioastronomy
Teaching
courses taught
ASTR 1000 - The Solar System
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1010, but without lab. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030.
ASTR 1010 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System w/Lab
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Requires nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1000, but with additional lab. Degree credit granted for only one of ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 1020 - Introductory Astronomy: Stars & Galaxies w/Recitation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Non-science majors learn the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Includes recitation. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1040 or ASTR 1200.
ASTR 1040 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Sun, stars, birth and death of stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and the organization and origins of the universe. May require nighttime observing sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Includes a recitation. Taught at a higher intellectual level including a significant amount of quantitative analysis. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1200.
ASTR 1200 - Stars and Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040.
ASTR 2000 - Ancient Astronomies of the World
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Documents the numerous ways in which observational astronomy and cosmology have been features of ancient cultures. Includes naked eye astronomy, archaeoastronomy, ethnoastronomy, concepts of time, calendrics, cosmogony, and cosmology.
