Improved obs. & analysis of eclipsing and other variables, tracers of stellar evolution & challenges to theory

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Variables stars, especially those found in star clusters, are key research tools in understanding the intrinsic properties of the stars, their origins, evolution, and destinies.  With the help of a new photometric infrared filter system that will increase the precision of infrared variable star light curves, and with improved light curve modeling code and techniques, I expect to be able to obtain more precise and accurate parameters of stars than previously was possible. In addition, data obtained at the University of Calgary's Rothney Astrophysical Observatory will enable us to continue to make new variable star discoveries with the Baker-Nunn Patrol Camera, and to follow up those discoveries with observations with the 0.4-m and 1.8-m telescopes of the RAO and at other, well-sited and maintained observatories such as Mt. Laguna.  Through my involvement with the UVIT instrument on the Indo-Canadian ASTROSAT mission, UV data may be added to the broad suite of data to further refine both stellar temperatures and interstellar reddening for selected cases.  The improvement of further light curve analysis tools will permit data obtained from that mission, the GAIA mission, and others, to  yield the precision and accuracy required to test the next generation of stellar structure and evolution models.