group
nuclear astrophysics at SMU
Thanassis Psaltis (he/him)
Thanassis is an Assistant Professor of Physics at the Department of Astronomy and Physics at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
He works in nuclear astrophysics, an interdisciplinary field which studies the intricate relationship between stellar evolution and the creation of chemical elements in the universe.
Apart from his research, Thanassis enjoys long-distance running, playing chess and reading books. He also participates in various science outreach activities and channels his passion for science, philosophy, art, and other topics through his personal blog.
Shane Gervais
Shane is a graduate research student working with Drs. Greg Christian and Thanassis Psaltis. He is particularly interested in thermonuclear reaction rates in nova nucleosynthesis. Shane’s research project involves creating a sensitivity study to address uncertainties in reaction rates, offering insight into key reaction rates that affect nova nucleosynthesis and those that would need further experimental investigation. He looks forward to collaborating with fellow researchers who are interested in the origin of the elements and fundamental particles of our universe.
Ella Jackson (she/her)
Ella is starting her third year, with a major in Astrophysics and Math. This summer she will be examining old, r-process enriched stars. Outside of school, she enjoys playing piano and going to the gym.
Luka Radulovic
Luka is a fourth-year Physics major and he will be starting his thesis project this summer in nuclear astrophysics, focusing on reactions involved in supernova explosions. Outside of research, he enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, and he regularly plays sports like basketball and goes running.
Spencer Reyno (he/him)
Spencer is a fourth-year student at Saint Mary’s University pursuing his honours in astrophysics, with a minor in mathematics. His research focus lies in the nuclear fusion reactions present in the thermonuclear runaway phase of classical novae, which are responsible for the genesis of various elements on the periodic table. In his free time, Spencer enjoys learning about operating systems, reading, watching, and writing fantasy media, as well as playing various kinds of video games. For as long as he can remember, Spencer has been passionate about physics and fantasy alike, and is more than happy to discuss either of these subjects with any who share these interests.