Understanding the Physics of Neutron Star Interiors

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My program will improve our understanding of the interiors of neutron stars (NSs, important for nuclear physics), and of the evolution of binary star systems containing NSs. Measuring the radius of NSs is difficult, but crucial for constraining their composition, and the method of studying quiescent NSs in globular clusters is likely the most promising. I am leading projects to constrain systematic errors in this method, and obtain observations with the precision needed to give useful constraints on nuclear physics. I am unraveling differences in neutrino emission among NSs, which promise to illuminate the transition to neutron superfluidity in NS cores, and the density threshold for rapid Urca-process neutrino emission. I am exploring the evolution of binary systems containing NSs and black holes, through developing new observational campaigns to identify low-luminosity transient X-ray sources, and studying populations of quiescent NSs and black holes in globular clusters.****These projects offer opportunities for me to train graduate and undergraduate students in X-ray and optical analysis techniques, scientific problem-solving and question-asking, and communication. Early exposure to astrophysics research will especially benefit those hoping to continue in this area. Skills in learning new software and scripting languages, scientific problem-solving, and communication will also benefit students who go into industry or other areas of physics. **