Introduction

Judi Provencal's White Dwarf Research Group operates at both the University of Delaware and Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory (MCAO). The group uses asteroseismology to study pulsating white dwarfs in the hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of their formation and evolution. The group utilizes data from both Hubble and TESS, as well as ground-based data taken themselves using SARA Consortium telescopes or by the Whole Earth Telescope collaboration. Currently, the group is studying pulsating hydrogen- and helium-atmosphere white dwarfs, investigating the DB gap, and looking into how big data techniques can be applied to white dwarfs.

Research Group

  • Dr. Judi Provencal

    Associate Professor, Director of Delaware Asteroseismic Research Center, Resident Astronomer at MCAO.

  • Millie Dill

    Fourth-year undergraduate student, working with Dr. Provencal since Spring 2019. Graduating Spring 2025.

  • Kaylee Grace

    Ph.D. student, working with Dr. Provencal since Fall 2022. Graduation expected Spring 2028.

  • Zach Savery

    Ph.D. student, working with Dr. Provencal since Fall 2022. Graduation expected Spring 2028.

  • Ben Mayhew

    Undergraduate student, working with Dr. Provencal since Summer 2024. Graduating Spring 2025.

  • Evelyn Palmer

    Undergraduate student, working with Dr. Provencal since Spring 2025. Graduation Expected Spring 2028.

Current Work

  • MCAO Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory
  • SARA Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy
  • Hubble Near-infrared, Visible, and Ultraviolet Observatory
  • TESS Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite

Dr. Provencal's group has several ongoing research projects which you can learn more about below. The group members are also educational associates at MCAO where they host Public, Family, and Children's Programs. They also use the 24" telescope in their research, as well as the 1.3-m telescope which should begin science operations in Spring 2025. Group members are also teaching assistants at the University of Delaware, where they have taught a variety of labs and discussion sections.