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Institute of Astronomy

 

I am a first year PhD candidate, researching black holes and gravitational waves.

In particular, I am interested in the final part of a black hole merger, called the ringdown. The gravitational waves produced during this period can be modelled as normal modes, which dissipate due to the nature of the spacetime. As a result, we call them quasinormal modes (QNMs).

We can determine the frequencies of QNMs for a Kerr black hole with a given mass and spin. However, the QNM content and amplitudes are dependent on the nature of the perturbation of the black hole. I currently work with numerical relativity simulations from the SXS collaboration to develop methods to detect QNMs, particularly second-order modes. I am also interested in what these modes might be able to tell us about black holes and gravity.

More generally, I am interested in ways to test fundamental physics using astrophysics and cosmology. I am also interested in the philosophy of physics.

You can find out more on my website, including information on science writing and communication I am doing.

 

 

Biography

Oct 2023 - Present: PhD Candidate, Institute of Astronomy

Oct 2020 - Sept 2023: Civil Service Fast Stream
2023: Cabinet Office (Data scientist)
2022: Infrastructure and Projects Authority (Data analyst)
2021: Defra (Operations Researcher)
 

Oct 2016 - June 2020: Masters in Physics

Photo of Richard Dyer

Contact Details

Hoyle H26
(3)37511

Affiliations

Classifications: 
Colleges: 
Corpus Christi College