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Hi! My name is Melanie and I'm a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in Physics at the Ohio State University. I work with Professor John Beacom within the Center for Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (CCAPP). Currently, I work on topics in theoretical astronomy.

Education & Research

At OSU, I am a Graduate Research Fellow, holding a University Fellowship, a Patrick S. Osmer Fellowship, and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. I passed my Doctoral Candidacy Exam in the OSU Physics Department during summer of 2024 and obtained a Master of Science Degree in Physics.

I graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 2022 with two Bachelor of Science Degrees: one in Physics, one in Astronomy & Astrophysics, along with a minor in Mathematics. I passed my Doctoral Candidacy Exam in the OSU Physics Department during summer of 2024 and obtained a Master of Science Degree in Physics.

My research interests involve using the physics of the small to understand the physics of the big as a theorist; I like using math and observational data about subatomic particles from space to understand the physical processes behind stars, supernovae, dark matter, and other astronomical objects.

Teaching and Service

Outside of research I am heavily involved in Polaris, a student-led partnership between graduate and undergraduate students in Physics and Astronomy at OSU dedicated to fostering a more welcoming and community oriented undergraduate physics experience in both Departments.

Through Polaris, I have become very passionate about teaching, mentoring, and working with undergraduate students.