Giant planet dynamics
The cold Jupiter eccentricity distribution shows evidence for the action of the Eccentric Kozai-Lidov (EKL) mechanism driven by stellar companions.
About Me
I am a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate studying theoretical astrophysics in the Division of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of California, Los Angeles. I conduct research on astrophysical dynamics with Professors Brad Hansen and Smadar Naoz. I am broadly interested in the dynamical processes that sculpt the observed diversity of exoplanets and exoplanetary system architectures. My current research focuses on the formation, migration, and tidal disruption of gas giant planets. I am also interested in tidal disruption and accretion in supermassive black hole systems.
I completed my M.S. in astrophysics in the UCLA Galactic Center Group with Professors Tuan Do and Andrea Ghez. Originally from Michigan, I received my B.S. in physics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In my free time, I like to surf and play competitive Pokémon VGC.
Research
Three-body dynamics
Analytical solutions for long-timescale eccentricity evolution at octupole-order in hierarchical three-body systems, with applications from planetary to galactic scales.
Black hole accretion
Constraining the origin of unprecedented brightness and variability of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, Sgr A*.