ABOUT Kyle
I’m a theoretical and computational astrophysicist currently working as an NSF Fellow at Caltech and Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena, CA.
My research program spans a wide spectrum of topics related to stellar dynamics and compact object physics. Broadly, the main question I aim to answer is: How do dynamical processes relevant in multibody systems lead to evolutionary outcomes not possible for isolated stars or binaries? I use both computational and analytic methods to study the role of dynamical processes upon a number of areas in astrophysics including globular cluster dynamics, binary star evolution, X-ray binaries, gravitational wave sources, fast radio bursts, planetary systems, r-process nucleosynthesis, millisecond pulsars, and tidal disruption events. I'm especially excited about applications to current/upcoming gravitational wave detectors (e.g., LIGO & LISA) and transient observatories (Rubin). You can read specifics about a few of my research projects here.
I grew up in Kettering, OH and attended Northwestern University for my undergraduate studies where I double majored in physics and music performance. After undergrad, I spent three years pursuing a career as an orchestral musician (earning a master of music degree at the Colburn School in Los Angeles in 2015) before ultimately returning to Northwestern where I completed my PhD in astronomy in 2019, advised by Fred Rasio. After finishing my PhD, I moved back to southern California for my current position at Caltech/Carnegie.
Aside from my research, I'm very excited about educational outreach. Check out my Cosmos in Concert program which has enabled me to combine my interest in public engagement with my hybrid music/science career path.
My research program spans a wide spectrum of topics related to stellar dynamics and compact object physics. Broadly, the main question I aim to answer is: How do dynamical processes relevant in multibody systems lead to evolutionary outcomes not possible for isolated stars or binaries? I use both computational and analytic methods to study the role of dynamical processes upon a number of areas in astrophysics including globular cluster dynamics, binary star evolution, X-ray binaries, gravitational wave sources, fast radio bursts, planetary systems, r-process nucleosynthesis, millisecond pulsars, and tidal disruption events. I'm especially excited about applications to current/upcoming gravitational wave detectors (e.g., LIGO & LISA) and transient observatories (Rubin). You can read specifics about a few of my research projects here.
I grew up in Kettering, OH and attended Northwestern University for my undergraduate studies where I double majored in physics and music performance. After undergrad, I spent three years pursuing a career as an orchestral musician (earning a master of music degree at the Colburn School in Los Angeles in 2015) before ultimately returning to Northwestern where I completed my PhD in astronomy in 2019, advised by Fred Rasio. After finishing my PhD, I moved back to southern California for my current position at Caltech/Carnegie.
Aside from my research, I'm very excited about educational outreach. Check out my Cosmos in Concert program which has enabled me to combine my interest in public engagement with my hybrid music/science career path.