Brandon L. Barker

I am a fifth year Astronomy and Astrophysics and Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering dual PhD student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow at Michigan State University and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

I work with Sean Couch as part of the SNAPhU research group studying core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe). My current work is on simulating light curves of CCSNe from high-fidelity simulations and connecting observable properties of type IIP supernovae to properties of the progenitor. I also work with Jonah Miller at Los Alamos National Laboratory developing phoebus, a general relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamic code for relativistic astrophysics. I previously also collaborated with Eirik Endeve, Anthony Mezzacappa, and others developing the thornado supernova radiation hydrodynamics code. My primary research interests are the explosion mechanisms of core-collapse supernovae, understanding which stars explode as CCSNe, the origins of the heaviest elements, and the development of portable, scalable, open source scientific software.

I am passionate about developing open source, community driven scientific software. I strongly believe that open source software makes for better code and, ultimately, better science. When possible, all of my code and data products will be made openly available.

I graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) in 2019 with double majors in physics and mathematics and a minor in astronomy. That same year I was named Chancellor’s Undergraduate Researcher of the Year for my exceptional academic record and research contributions. My research contributions were further recognized by the National Science Foundation through a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.

At UTK I worked with Eirik Endeve and Anthony Mezzacappa exploring the explosion mechanism of core-collapse supernovae and assisting with the development of the thornado radiation hydrodynamics code, on which my senior thesis was based.

Outside of research, I’m passionate about equitable STEM education and science outreach. As an undergrad I worked with several elementary schools in the Knoxville area leading, organizing, and assiting with various after school science programs. I also frequently engaged the general public with science demonstrations. I hope to continue to be involved in my community throughout graduate school. To recognize my outreach efforts, academic success, and research achievements, I was awarded a Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship Honorable Mention.