Student projects

Common-envelope evolution underpins the formation of many compact-binary systems (including progenitors of gravitational-wave sources), yet widely used prescriptions remain uncertain. This project tests recently proposed common-envelope formalisms in binary_c to assess their impact on observable populations and predicted merger rates.

Population synthesis requires efficient sampling of high-dimensional initial parameter spaces. This project explores whether machine-learning based sampling can accelerate or improve coverage of relevant regions, while preserving physical interpretability and reproducibility.

Some stars show unusually high metal abundances, which may be interpreted as intrinsically metal-rich formation or as the result of binary interaction (eg wind accretion or supernova deposition). The project estimates how often binary processes produce high apparent metallicities, using binary_c and comparison to observed samples.

Stellar population synthesis relies on interpolating large grids of evolutionary models, but later stages of evolution can depend on multiple core properties in non-trivial ways. This project explores machine-learning based interpolation of coordinate variables to improve accuracy while keeping the workflow efficient for large population studies.

Very old stars in the Milky Way encode the early chemical history of the Galaxy, but binary interaction can alter surface abundances and bias interpretation. The project uses population modelling and comparison to survey data to quantify how binaries affect the inferred properties of ancient stellar populations.

Mass transfer from evolved giants can proceed through winds and Roche-lobe overflow, sometimes in bursts that are shorter than the orbital period. This project investigates how time-dependent mass transfer affects binary evolution outcomes and the observable signatures of interacting systems.

A subset of thick-disc stars appear overmassive compared to their evolutionary stage, likely due to past binary interaction or merger. This project examines whether carbon and nitrogen abundances can be used to diagnose their formation history and constrain the prevalence of binary interaction in old populations.

Post-asymptotic giant branch (post-AGB) stars in binary systems are often associated with a circumbinary disc. This project explores how jets and disc–binary interactions relate to the poorly understood common-envelope phase and what observable signatures might distinguish different formation channels.

A schools engagement project using 'Window to the Stars' to help students explore how stellar models connect to observables. The work focuses on designing activities that are scientifically faithful, engaging, and practical for classroom use.