My research interests span planetary science, astrophysics education research, and community-engaged STEM fieldwork, unified by the goal of advancing understanding of planetary system evolution while broadening participation in astrophysics. My planetary science research focuses on dynamical interactions between planets and satellites in Solar System and exoplanetary environments. I use numerical simulations to investigate orbital stability in planet–moon and multi-moon systems, particularly under tidal forces, resonances, and multi-body gravitational interactions. My work contributed to developing general stability limits for planet–moon and moon–moon systems (Rosario-Franco et al. 2020), which provide theoretical constraints on long-lived satellite architectures and inform strategies for exomoon detection. I also investigate how orbital evolution influences detectability through magnetospheric and plasma interactions, particularly via radio emission signatures. More recently, I have collaborated on studies providing dynamical context for JWST exoplanet observations (Wachiraphan et al. 2025). My astrophysics education research examines recruitment, retention, and identity development among students from historically underrepresented communities. Previous work (Sherr et al. 2020) explored how isolation and departmental climate influence graduate student persistence. I currently co-advise the GRAVITAS project (B.Hilliard Et al. in perp), which evaluates how community-engaged outreach programs influence STEM identity and academic trajectories. Currently, I am PI of AstroSenderos, a community-led astronomy certification program developed with Explorando Senderos, Fiske Planetarium, and Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Integrating the principles of (Gonzalez, 2019), we aim to empower the community to lead their scientific experiences and train students in best practices for equitable outreach/community engaged work (M.Rosario-Franco, in prep.).
keywords
planets, moons and satellites, radioastronomy, physics education research, science education, science outreach, community engagement
ASTR 1000 - The Solar System
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1010, but without lab. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030.
ASTR 1010 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System w/Lab
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Requires nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Similar to ASTR 1000, but with additional lab. Degree credit granted for only one of ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.
ASTR 1020 - Introductory Astronomy: Stars & Galaxies w/Recitation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Non-science majors learn the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Includes recitation. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1040 or ASTR 1200.
ASTR 1040 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Sun, stars, birth and death of stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and the organization and origins of the universe. May require nighttime observing sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Includes a recitation. Taught at a higher intellectual level including a significant amount of quantitative analysis. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1200.
ASTR 1200 - Stars and Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040.
ASTR 2000 - Ancient Astronomies of the World
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Documents the numerous ways in which observational astronomy and cosmology have been features of ancient cultures. Includes naked eye astronomy, archaeoastronomy, ethnoastronomy, concepts of time, calendrics, cosmogony, and cosmology.
