Roles and responsibilities
I am a member of the Canadian Gemini Office, where I apply my expertise to the use of optical and IR spectrographs, and also the reduction and analysis of data obtained from these devices.
I am also the Canadian co-chair of the Thirty Meter Telescope Science Advisory Committee.
I maintain an active research program (see below).
Current research and/or projects
Throughout my career I have been interested in the evolution of stars and galaxies. At present I am focused on the evolution of close binary star systems, with emphasis on those that are experiencing the initial stages of mass transfer.
Research and/or project statements
Maintaining an active research program is of fundamental importance to develop and demonstrate expertise that is relevant to the Canadian astronomy community. I apply my expertise in observational astronomy, astronomical instrumentation, and observatory operations to assist the NRC in its mandate to operate and develop major Canadian observing facilities.
Education
Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria 1987 (Colin Scarfe supervisor)
M.Sc. in Physics with specialization in Astrophysics, University of Calgary 1981 (Gene Milone supervisor)
B.Sc with Honours in Astrophysics, University of Calgary 1980
Affiliations
CASCA, AAS
Key publications
During the past ten years I have published 27 papers in mainstream peer-reviewed journals, and I have been first author for 23 of these. Want more? Check out:
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/
Previous work experience
1998 - present: Astronomer, NRC
1992-1998: Canadian Gemini Astronomer, UBC
1987-1992: Resident Astronomer, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope