Michael Tucker Heads to Hawaii to Study Exoplanets

Honors Alum Michael Tucker (’17)  is heading to Hawaii to pursue his doctorate in astronomy. Michael has been awarded full funding to attend the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Hawaii Manoa. His program of study in Hawaii is for six years. That will include a Master’s degree and eventually Ph.D. He has received a full tuition waiver and a teaching appointment with stipend. He will be teaching introductory astronomy laboratories for undergraduates.

Developing out of his Honors thesis Appalachian, Michael’s research interests center on exoplanets and how the evolution of the parent star affects the planet and its habitability. As he explained, he wants to know,  “what happens to planets as stars grow old and die.” After his doctoral program at the U. of Hawaii, Michael hopes to find a post-doc position and eventually become a professor. His professional goals are to combine teaching and student involvement with research.

Congratulations, Michael! Keep us posted on your progress and journey.

Photo contributed by Michael Tucker.

Story by Garrett Alexandrea McDowell, Ph.D.

Published: Jun 26, 2017 4:08pm

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