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.
