Current Research Project: Theoretical modelling of neutron star mergers: Atomic Theory and Radiation Transport.

Historically - astrophysics has been primarily concerned with light elements such as Hydrogen and Helium. Recent Kilonovae observations have suggested the presence of heavier elements - particularly those produced from r-processes. The goal of the project is to produce theoretical data for these elements - in particular we hope to obtain atomic, electron-impact and photo-ionisation data. These are then fed into collisional and radiation models to assess the effect these elements may have in neutron star mergers.

Biography:

I studied Theoretical Physics at Queen's, and completed my masters project under Connor's supervision. It was during this time I fell in love with codes for atomic data - moving slightly away from my previous research interest in statistical physics. 

Supervisors:

Professor Catherine Ramsbottom, Professor Connor Ballance & Dr Stuart Sim