Christopher Night
Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Astronomy — 2002-Present
  • Degree Expected, circa 2007:
  • PhD, Astronomy
• Villanova University - 1998-2002
  • Degrees Received, 19 May 2002:
  • B. S., Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • B. S., Mathematics
  • B. S., Honors
  • Final CGPA - 3.835 - Magna cum Laude
• John Carroll Catholic High School, Birmingham, AL - 1994-1998. Valedictorian.

Completed Research

The Amazing Blue Stragglers of the Galactic Globular Cluster NGC 6397

Working on Dr. Saffer's research team, I compared stellar models with observed spectra to determine the unique properties of certain blue straggler stars. Poster presented by Jeremy Sepinsky and Rex Saffer at Jan 2001 AAS meeting.

HST STIS Observations of the Dwarf Nova VW Hydri During Superoutburst

Along with Dr. Sion, using stellar atmosphere models, I determined the physical properties of a dwarf nova at three points of its changing flux during superoutburst. Poster presented by myself and Edward Sion at Jun 2001 AAS meeting.

Multiwavelength analysis of the black hole candidate Cygnus X-1

Analyzing existing IUE spectra of Cygnus X-1, I observed spectral line variability linked to the orbit of the system, and helped refine the current model of the system. Poster presented by Jeremy Sepinsky and myself at the Jan 2002 AAS meeting.

Spectral Analysis of the Eclipsing Binary DI Herculis

Working with Dr. Fitzpatrick, I used computer-based models to analyze archived IUE spectra for DI Herculis, specifically to determine effective temperature and constrain other stellar parameters.

Ongoing Research

Modifications to the treatment of temperature in Lyman-α forest simulations

Working with Matias Zaldarriaga and Lars Hernquist, I will modify existing computer code and generate spectra to determine what effects temperature fluctuations have on Lyman-α data.

Work Experience

• Teaching Assitant, AST 1075, Villanova, 2002
• Summer Research with Dr. Edward Sion, Villanova, 2001
• Teaching Assistant for Villanova Physics Program, 2000-2001
• Computer Programming and Web Design for Technical Automation Service Company, Pelham, AL, 2000
• Observatory Staff Member for Villanova's Astronomy Program, 1998-1999

Professional and Honors Societies

• Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
• Junior member, American Astronomical Society

Scholarships and Awards

• Astronomy Medallion of Excellence, Villanova University
• Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2002
• Villanova University Presidential Scholarship

Activities

• Vatican Observatory Summer School, Jun-Jul 2001. Intensive four-week course on Stellar Remnants, held at Specola Vaticana in Italy, attended by 26 students from five continents.
• Villanova activites:
  • Villanova Astronomical Society, 1998-Present
    • President, 2000-2001
    • Secretary/Treasurer and webmaster, 2001-2002
  • Campus Activities Team, 1999
  • Villanova University Space Shuttle Experiment Program, 1999-2002
  • Physics Club, 2000-2002
  • Tutor in Astronomy, Physics, and Mathematics, 1998-2002
• Member of USS Hephaestus, Starfleet International