Research

My scholarly activity spans the exciting fields of exoplanet discovery, planetary science, observational astronomy, and extreme weather and climate.

Exoplanet Hunters

Our exoplanet research is associated with NASA’s TESS project, a dedicated space telescope for exoplanet discovery.

Using Austin College’s Adams Observatory, my students and I have helped discover multiple exoplanets, including hot Jupiters and Super-Earths — planets unlike anything found in our solar system! We are members of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Follow-up Observing Program. Read more about our exoplanet research in a feature article in the Austin College Magazine.

Planetary Science (our Solar System)

This Saturn image, obtained from Austin College’s Adams Observatory and processed by Austin College students, shows storms with white clouds brewing near the pole.

Planetary science is a diverse interdisciplinary science involving physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology, astronomy, and biology. My research has investigated weird features in the clouds of Venus, hot spots on Jupiter, and dust devils on Mars. In addition, we perform planetary imaging at the Adams Observatory to track weather and surface features on other planets.

With my buddy, JPL scientist Todd Ratcliff, I wrote a popular science book The 50 Most Extreme Places in Our Solar System. We explore some of the weirdest things in our celestial neighborhood. It has received numerous honors, including Wired.com’s GeekDad Gift Guide!

Observatories, Ancient and Modern

With tremendous celebration and relief, the beam of sunlight lands precisely on the summer solstice marker during the first solstice observation at The Gnomon at Austin College.

The IDEA Center at Austin College has two observatories: The Gnomon at Austin College designed after 16th century observatories in western Europe, and the state-of-the-art Adams Observatory on the roof.  I have been involved significantly in the establishment of these observatories.  We have investigated the Sun’s annual cycle, tested modern instrumentation, and designed and 3D-printed equipment for improved astronomical measurements.

Extreme Weather and Climate Change

Students test and calibrate instrumentation for the Austin College Weather Station.

The land surface dramatically influences weather and climate through exchange of energy and water — think of the different weather found on a scorching desert plain and in a humid rain forest.   I’m particularly interested in the role of the land surface on development of clouds, thunderstorms, and extreme precipitation.   We also use measurements from the Austin College Weather Station, a meteorological research station established by undergraduate students, to understand weather and climate in north Texas. We hope to help bridge the climate change science-policy-awareness gaps by becoming official observers at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

For a full list of publications and presentations, please take a look at my CV.