Christopher Wrede

Christopher Wrede is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University, affiliated with the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). His research focuses on nuclear astrophysics, particularly the nucleosynthesis processes in stellar environments like novae. He earned his Ph.D. in 2008 from Yale University under advisor Peter Parker, with a dissertation exploring the astrophysical implications of 31S nuclear energy levels.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Yale University, 2008

Research Interests: Wrede investigates nuclear reactions critical to astrophysical models, including the 30P(p, γ)31S reaction rate in oxygen-neon novae and its impact on isotopic signatures in presolar grains. His work also addresses the rp-process waiting-point at 30S and its role in X-ray burst dynamics. Techniques involve indirect resonance studies using reactions like 31P(3He,t)31S to refine reaction rates and nuclear level schemes.

Labs/Teams: Active in the NSCL, a leading facility for rare isotope research.