In the study of star and planet formation, one outstanding question is how the materials necessary for life (such as water, carbon, and nitrogen) arrived on rocky worlds like our Earth. In my dissertation, I am studying this topic through observations of young, still-forming solar systems to better understand their chemical compositions. By focusing on nitrogen-bearing organic molecules, and using models of protostellar envelopes, I hope to better understand the origins of the Earth's nitrogen.

Talks will be given each Wednesday and will be 30 minutes in length, with time after for questions. Lunch will be served at 11:45 and talks will begin at 12:00. Unless otherwise noted, they will be held in 340 West Hall.