Michele M. Montgomery, Ph.D   

 
 

Teaching Areas:  Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Life in the Universe,

                             and, new in 2018/2019, Space Weather

  


Research Areas:  Observational, Theoretical, Numerical, Other

Kepler/K2 observations of Eclipsing Binaries, especially close binary stars. Of eclipsing binaries, we study Algols and CVs - polars, intermediate polars, and non-magnetic systems, which are the most interesting in my opinion as they have an accretion disk that displays much dynamical motions in the light curves. We study the signals we see in the periodograms and the features we see in the light curves and folded light curves.


Astrobiology - What plants can grow in simulated Martian soil? We were able to grow types of salad greens and peas! Plants, shown right, are toxic, though.    
    
              

                                        

Educational Research - The metacognitive reasonings of rats and general education Astronomy students using python code as a mode of learning.

                   

Finds: All students can learn by this mode but certain groups choose to not learn; intimidation/fear is the likely culprit -- more studies to come

             
          
  

Simulations - I simulate accretion disk signals that we see in the observational data using smoothed particle hydrodynamics


                                  Undergraduate Student Research Projects

Currently I have one undergraduate student, who is a recipient of an NSF UCF SURF grant and who is studying eclipsing binary stars in the Kepler/K2 catalog, including our own observations. I have another UCF RAMP student who is simulating in python orbital mechanics of planetary systems along with a third UCF UG Physics student.



                                 Educational Products

Astronomy Textbooks

       - Horizons Hybrid:  Exploring the Universe by Seeds, Backman, &

         Montgomery (2015); Seeds & Backman (& Montgomery) 2018, 2021, etc.

       - Universe Hybrid:  Solar System, Stars, and Galaxies by Seeds, Backman,

          & Montgomery (2015); Seeds & Backman (& Montgomery) 2018, 2021, etc.

       - Foundations of Astronomy by Seeds & Backman (& Montgomery) 2019, 2022, etc




                        montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu



Contact Information for Michele M. Montgomery, Ph.D

University of Central Florida (UCF)

Physics Department PSB 132

Orlando, FL  32816

Office:  407-823-5939

Fax:     407-823-5112


Current Date and Time (EST):  September 25, 2018           # Visitors:


                 

 

                      Greetings and Salutations

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Subaru and Keck I & II