Joseph Glaser

Dr. Glaser's research interests focus on computational physics with a concentration in astrophysical simulations. Currently, his area of research expertise lies with modeling compact systems (like stellar binaries and planetary systems) within clustered environments. These models include a variety of astrophysical effects to produce data products which can be used in mock observation pipelines. The vast majority of stars form from large HII regions and gravitationally interact with neighboring stars, forming open clusters and associations. Since we now know that planetary systems are quite prevalent as a by-product of stellar formation, his research focuses on exploring planetary formation and subsequent orbit evolution while the host star is in this natal environment. He is looking for signatures of past dynamical interactions in the observed exoplanet population via simulating this early life till stellar isolation and then comparing the population statistics between the two. Additionally, he is researching the effects of stellar fly-bys on the shaping of our own Kuiper Belt & Oort Cloud.