About

2014-2018: PhD Student — Thesis title: Molecular jets and outflows from young stellar objects in Cygnus-X, Auriga, and Cassiopeia

Abstract: Efforts to find and directly observe the very youngest stars are often hampered by the thick envelopes of dust and gas that surround them inside their natal clouds. However, they frequently produce outflows and jets during these early stages which can stretch for several light-years across the sky and are considerably easier to detect than the stars themselves, especially in the near-infrared. In this sense, they act as glowing signposts of recent and ongoing star formation activity. The aim of my thesis project was to perform an unbiased, systematic survey in the near-infrared to locate these outflows from young stars, in two vastly different areas of our own Galaxy. By doing this, my thesis advisor (Dr. Dirk Froebrich) and I built a sample of almost 700 outflows and measured their properties, such as their lengths and brightness, which we can use to probe various aspects of the star formation process (see figure above for an example).

2010 – 2014:  MPhys (Hons) Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics (Integrated Masters Programme)
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom, CT2 7NH

Research interests

My primary research interest lies in the formation of stars. The mainstay of my research to date has focused on one of the most peculiar aspects of the star formation process; the production of jets and outflows. Outflows are inextricably linked to the process of accretion, and can be found across all mass ranges, from tiny brown dwarf stars to active galaxies. The University of Kent currently hosts the MHO catalogue, which is a list of outflows from young stars as detected in molecular hydrogen. Using data from the UWISH2 survey, we have contributed over 40% of the currently known outflows.

Professional

I am also one of the trained operators of the telescope at the Beacon Observatory (University of Kent), where projects have included short- and long-term monitoring of variable stars in young stellar clusters as part of the HOYS-CAPS citizen science project.

Last updated 27th October 2021