Research

Here are some of the research projects that I have worked on through out my undergraduate and master’s degree

Starspot Inference Using Light Curve Inversion Techniques

Using light curve inversion packages, I am studying how these different methods can help us understand starspots from using light curve data.

Towards Mapping Brown Dwarf and Giant Exoplanet Atmospheres

Using simulated light curve data, I mapped their surfaces using the Starry package.

Chemodynamically Characterizing the Jhelum Stellar Stream with APOGEE-2

Examined the Jhelum stellar stream in order to characterize potential members using APOGEE-2. Identified one potential member of Jhelum. Resulted in publication Sheffield et al (incl. Refat), ApJ, 2021.

Looking at Star Formation Through Chemistry

Analyzed the spectra of the M-Giant star Arcturus to derive stellar spectra and chemical abundances. Normalized Echelle spectra and measured equivalent widths of spectral lines.

Two-Point Statistics in the Star Forming ISM

Performed a two-point correlation analysis to characterize metallicity correlation between stars and compared this to parameters such as velocity and star formation rate.

Staying in Science

Wrote memos and gave information to create social network maps in order to study students’ career pathways. Also studied survey data of students from historically marginalized backgrounds in STEM after they participated in science research mentoring programs.