Benjamin R. Roulston

Benjamin R. Roulston is a postdoctoral researcher at the Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy at Caltech. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Clarkson University (2016) and a Ph.D. in Astronomy from Boston University (2022). His research focuses on post-mass transfer binaries, particularly dwarf carbon (dC) stars, exploring their binary dynamics, variability, and X-ray emissions. He has discovered 34 new periodic dC stars with short orbital periods, challenging previous assumptions about common-envelope evolution. His work also involves the Time-Domain Spectroscopic Survey (TDSS), analyzing variable stars using combined spectral and light curve data to improve classification methods.

Education:

• B.S. Physics, Clarkson University, 2016
• Ph.D. Astronomy, Boston University, 2022

Research Interests:

• Binary star evolution
• Mass transfer mechanisms
• Common-envelope phases
• X-ray emission in main-sequence stars
• Variable star classification

Teaching: Benjamin served as a teaching assistant for multiple undergraduate physics and astronomy courses at Clarkson University and Boston University, emphasizing active learning and student engagement. He received positive student evaluations across all taught courses.

Grants & Future Work: His ongoing projects include refining TDSS variable star classifications and pursuing spectroscopic follow-up of short-period dC systems. He aims to constrain wind-Roche lobe overflow and common-envelope efficiencies through observational data.