SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: Project 1: Modelling the accretion of the solar system rocky planets The formation of the solar system terrestrial planets is a long-standing problem in Planetary Science. Significant advancements have been made in this field in the last 20 years, but many open questions still remain. In this project, we will work with state-of-the-art planet formation simulations modelling the late stage of accretion of terrestrial planets. We will develop methods and algorithms to process and analyze simulation data and confront results of models with a diversity of constraints coming from astronomical observations, cosmochemical and geochemical data. Project 2: Modelling the accretion of rocky super-Earths and volatile rich mini-Neptunes Astronomical observations and statistical analysis suggest that exoplanets with sizes between 1 and 4 Earth radii are the most common type of planets in our Galaxy. These exoplanets are mainly found orbiting their host stars at very small orbital separations -- at typical relative distances much closer than the planet Mercury is from our Sun. Consequently, they are usually referred to as "hot super-Earths" and "hot mini-Neptunes". In this project, we will work with planet formation simulations modelling the accretion and dynamical evolution of these planets. We will develop methods and algorithms to process and analyze simulation data and conform the results of the model with real data.

Required qualifications: none

Direct mentor: Post-doctorate