Research: Assessing the Accuracy of Binary Star Detection Methods using Numerical Simulations and Synthetic Observations.This research was done using Python code, where I used three-dimensional data from Professor Aaron Lee's numerical simulations of star-forming clouds and projected that data onto two-dimensional planes. I then made synthetic observations of the 2D planes as though I were an Observational astronomer. Next, I created a Python algorithm to correctly identify Binary stars… Show more Research: Assessing the Accuracy of Binary Star Detection Methods using Numerical Simulations and Synthetic Observations.This research was done using Python code, where I used three-dimensional data from Professor Aaron Lee's numerical simulations of star-forming clouds and projected that data onto two-dimensional planes. I then made synthetic observations of the 2D planes as though I were an Observational astronomer. Next, I created a Python algorithm to correctly identify Binary stars based on the 3D data, using the idea that the gravitational binding of two stars typically implies a Binary system. Similarly, the algorithm identified two stars that appeared to be binary systems, based on their projected separations from one another. This allowed me to compare the correctly identified systems to the incorrectly identified systems in the projected night sky. I was then able to analyze and plot the frequency of observer misidentification. Initial results seem to suggest that the misidentification of binary systems occurs more frequently than perhaps previously believed.I was selected out of hundreds of applicants to explore binary star systems, which involved giving numerous presentations in front of professors, staff, families, and students. Collaborations and communication with peers and mentors were a key part of the research success. This summer research lasted roughly 6 weeks, during which the Python program for binary star identification was made. Show less

Assisting the professor with Physics 91 Astronomy Lab preparation and guiding students throughout labs. Helping with grade management for Physics 11 (Physics 2 Labs).