معرفی
Matthew T. Penny is an Assistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Louisiana State University (LSU), Department of Physics & Astronomy. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester in 2011. His primary research focuses on exoplanet demographics using gravitational microlensing and transit techniques, particularly investigating how galactic environment influences planetary formation. Key projects include leadership of the MISHAPS survey targeting hot Jupiters in the Galactic bulge, participation in KELT transit searches, and contributions to WFIRST, Euclid, and K2 missions.
Education: Ph.D. in Physics/Astronomy, University of Manchester (2011).
Research Interests:
- Exoplanet detection via microlensing/transit methods
- Galactic bulge exoplanet statistics
- WFIRST mission science
- Microlensing degeneracy resolution
Recent Work Trends: Focus on high-precision surveys like MISHAPS and Euclid collaborations, emphasizing planetary system demographics in chemically distinct stellar populations and free-floating planet characterization. Active in developing synthetic population models (SynthPop) for Milky Way studies.
Advising/Grants: Leads MISHAPS survey; no listed advisees. Active in multi-mission collaborations (Euclid-WFIRST synergies).
Labs/Teams: Member of LSU's Astrophysics Group, contributing to KMTNet surveys and international exoplanet initiatives.
