Homer L. Dodge Department
of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Oklahoma

My research involves the application of optical CCD imaging of astronomical objects using various large and small telescope, along with associated image processing techniques, to a variety of astronomical topics.

My main topics of interest are: studies of the colors and other photometric properties of minor bodies in the outer solar system, including Kuiper Belt Objects and irregular satellites of the Jovian planets; the accurate measurement of the brightness of active nuclei in active galaxies, particularly those with low luminosity nuclei, where it is difficult to disentangle the light of the nucleus from the light of the host galaxy; study of photometric and astrometric properties of bright asteroids (using the campus telescope); and "target of opportunity" observations of supernovae, using telescope time scheduled for other projects, as well as the campus telescope. A common theme of these projects is to obtain accurate measurements of the observed brightnesses of various astronomical objects, frequently in the presence of contaminating background or foreground light sources.

• Graduate Studies Program
• Undergraduate Studies Program
• Departmental Research
• Research Experiences for Undergraduates
• Engineering Physics Program