I am an associate professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Virginia. I study theoretical and computational astrophysics and my work has frequently focused on radiation magnetohydrodynamic applications to accreting compact objects and feedback from star formation. Although I am a theorist, much of my work has involved direct modeling of observational data.

Before arriving at the University of Virginia, I was a senior research associate at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics. Previously, I was a postdoctoral member and Chandra Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study. I obtained my Ph.D. from the physics department at UCSB and a B.S. in physics from Carnegie Mellon University.

Black holes are stellar remnants that are so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull. Nevertheless, systems that contain these "dark stars" are among the brightest sources in the universe. In this introductory course, aimed primarily at non-science majors, students will explore the seemingly paradoxical nature of black holes and evaluate the astronomical evidence for their existence.

Computational methods are widely applied in all areas of astrophysical research, including data analysis, instrumentation, and theory. This course covers advanced computing skills that optimize the scientific return from using increasingly complex code bases and sophisticated code development tools. Using Python, we introduce widely applicable numerical methods while training the students in the use of commonly used code development concepts.

Introduces the physics of basic radiation mechanisms and particle acceleration processes that are important in high energy phenomena and space science. Discusses applications to pulsars, active galactic nuclei, radio galaxies, quasars, and supernovae.