SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: More than 5,000 exoplanets have been discovered around other stars, revealing a remarkable diversity of planetary systems. The goal of this project is to study the dynamical evolution of a peculiar class of planets orbiting low-mass stars, and to investigate how their orbital properties may provide insights into planetary formation and evolution. Using simplified numerical models, the student will explore how gravitational interactions and long-term dynamical processes shape these systems. This project is designed for entry-level undergraduate students and will introduce core concepts in planetary dynamics, computational modeling, and exoplanet science.

Potential skills gained: Students will gain hands-on experience with computational modeling by building and exploring simple numerical simulations. Through this work, they will develop a basic understanding of orbital dynamics and planetary evolution, learn how to visualize and interpret scientific data, and practice quantitative problem solving.

Required qualifications: None listed

Direct mentor: Faculty/P.I., Post-doctorate, Graduate Student