My research focuses on the study and characterization of terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres. Anticipating the near-term launch of JWST, I work to model potential atmospheres that we may uncover, aiming to place a constraint on how much telescope time will be required to not only detect those atmospheres, but to resolve specific molecular signatures within those atmospheres. Specifically, I am interested in molecular signatures called biosignatures, which provide evidence of life existing on the planet, whether it be in the past or the present. The question of "are we alone?" is a strong motivator for my research, as it is an exciting and important question that we have yet to answer.
I model exoplanetary atmospheres in different ways. Many models take a 1D approach to planetary atmospheres, but I have become well-versed in using 3D global circulation model (GCM) outputs alongside radiative transfer tools to spefically focus on transit spectroscopy measurements of terrestrial exoplanets. If the planets fall in the habitable zone of their host stars, this is even more interesting to me, as the habitable zone is the best place to look for the presence of life. I have also used 3D GCM's to model the variations in the measured "edges" of the habitable zone to determine how it can change based on varying planetary inputs.
I am proud to work alongside the TESS team at NASA Goddard to model atmospheres on newly discovered terrestrial exoplanets. Being able to apply my modeling to true data makes me very excited for what is yet to come with both ground- and space-based observatories. In addition to JWST, I also work to model detections with even more advanced, far-term future telescopes, such as those being studied by the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey.