UWO (1996 - 2000)

From 1996 to 2000 I went to The University of Western Ontario to obtain a BSc in astronomy. Beginning in 3rd year I had the opportunity to be involved in Dr. John Landstreet's research program. Our main interest was in abundance distribution of different elements on the surface of so called chemically peculiar A stars. It all starts with obtaining observations that can be studied to learn more about these stars. I frequently used the Elginfield 1-m observatory that belongs to the department at Western. Even though this meant long lonely and often cold nights at the telescope it was one of the favorite parts of my work. I also had the opportunity to use the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) in July 2000, and later on I went on two long observing trips to the Pic du Midi in French Pyrenees (a 2.3 m telescope). On these observing trips we obtained stellar spectra in all four polarizations to study the magnetic fields and chemical compositions.

The desk part of my work was to use IRAF to do data reduction as well as running a modelling program to synthesize stellar absorption lines. Line synthesis basically involves using a stellar athmospheric and magnetic model to try to determine the abundance and distribution of a particular element in a star. To do this we need spectra at several phases of a stars rotation and we have to assume some magnetic model.

My work at UWO has resulted in a number of publications I am a co-author on. Even though I did different research for my masters and PhD projects, I maintain my interest in magnetic stars.