Matthew Mengel

Dr. Matthew Mengel is a Lecturer in Computing at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), specializing in Astronomy and Astrophysics. He holds a PhD from USQ (2017) following a Master of Philosophy (USQ), a Graduate Diploma in IT (CQU), and a Bachelor of IT (USQ). His research focuses on exoplanet detection, stellar magnetic fields, and planetary system dynamics, particularly using data from missions like TESS and CHEOPS. Mengel has contributed to discoveries of sub-Neptunes, hot Jupiters, and eccentric giant planets around young and evolved stars.

Research Interests:

• Exoplanet characterization and detection techniques
• Magnetic field evolution in planet-hosting stars
• Stellar activity cycles and their impact on planet detectability
• Planetary system dynamics and migration mechanisms

Key Contributions: Mengel’s work bridges observational astronomy with computational methods, analyzing radial velocity data and photometric observations to uncover new planetary systems. His studies of young stars like HD 18599 and HIP 89829 reveal insights into magnetic field behavior and planet formation environments. Collaboration with TESS and CHEOPS missions underscores his focus on high-precision exoplanet detection.

Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the TESS Grand Unified Hot Jupiter Survey and collaborations involving Minerva-Australis radial velocity measurements. Engaged in multi-institutional projects analyzing stellar magnetic fields and exoplanet atmospheres.