Academic interests
My research revolves around the formation and evolution of the planets in the solar system and beyond, the aftermath of their formation, and their ability to host a biosphere. I tackle these problems with an interdisciplinary approach that involves dynamical modelling, cosmochemistry, geochemistry and geochronology. Specific questions of interest are: by what mechanism did most (rocky) planets form, and on what time scale? Is the architecture of the solar system unique? Why does the solar system not have a planet inside of Mercury? What was the role of impact bombardment after the planets formed? What did this bombardment do to their crusts, and what are the implications for these planets to host life? What role does the central star play in planet formation and habitability? For answers I turn to dynamical models of terrestrial planet formation and subsequent evolution using the latest GPU and CPU hardware on supercomputers in the EU, as well as in-house facilities. In the future I plan to engage experimental work rather than just theoretical modelling. Specifically, I am interested in the following topics.
Terrestrial and exoplanet formation
Planetary bombardment
Fusion of cosmochemistry and dynamics
Isotopic composition of rocky planets
Planetary habitability on long time scales
Delivery of biogenic materials
Tidal evolution of planets and satellites
GPU computing
Extinction events
Courses taught currently
Background
I have lived and worked in many countries spanning three continents. I have worked on comets, planetary dynamics, tides, planet formation, late accretion, and more. See my LinkedIn profile for my full journey across this planet.
Appointments
- Professor II, PHAB/University of Oslo
- Research Fellow, Konkoly Observatory