I broadly study astrochemistry of star and planet formation. In particular, I’m interested in what the molecules formed (or destroyed) during star and planet formation can tell us about the formation process itself and the environment of the nascent star system, as well as how the chemistry seen in the Solar System and exoplanetary systems was affected by the chemistry during their formation. Currently, I’m investigating the photodissociation and ejection by protostellar winds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the protostellar disk as an explanation for the carbon-poor nature of the Earth.
Mentor
Edwin Bergin