David R. Rice, PhD
Astrophysics Research Center of the
Open University of Israel
Planet Interiors, Materials, and Dynamics
I research the formation and evolution of planets from their interiors to their dynamics through computational techniques. My goal as a researcher is to investigate planets through a lens which integrates astrophysics and geoscience.
Mixtures of Planet Materials
Research with Dr. Allona Vazan at ARCO. Stay tuned!
Characterizing Planet Interiors
The densities of observed terrestrial planets allow for a range of interior compositions from Mercury-like to volatile-rich. For my dissertation, I test model parameters and quantify systematic uncertainties in inferences of the composition of the Trappist-1 planets. I presented my initial findings at the Exoplanets IV and Rocky Worlds II conferences and a paper is planned for Fall 2022. In addition, I collaborate with high-pressure physicists to test new measurements of planet-building materials: ADS. I'm also open for collaboration with observational groups to characterize their planets. I characterize K2-138's planets in the work below.
MAGRATHEA: Interior Structure Solver
The community uses a variety of models to characterize the interior structure of small planets. Chenliang Huang, Jason Steffen, and I developed MAGRATHEA to be a community standard 1D planet structure code. MAGRATHEA is open-source and can be customized to user-defined planet models. Our code features adaptable phase diagrams for the core, mantle, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and transparent formatting for equations of state. MAGRATHEA's utility is detailed in our publication (ADS) and is archived on NASA's Exoplanet Modeling and Analysis Center.
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Stable Lifetimes of Planetary Systems
Closely packed planetary systems will experience orbital crossings at a time related to the orbital separations of the planets. After a crossing, the system enters a period of chaotic evolution ending in planetary collisions or ejections. These collisions are essential to the formation of stable systems. I study stability timescales through n-body simulations on Cherry-Creek, UNLV's supercomputer cluster. My first published work, ADS, finds that inclined systems may avoid a planet collision for long periods of time. My second work, ADS, explores the heteroscedasticity of stability time in non-equal mass systems.
About Me
CV
PDF Link Last updated: 15th Jan. 2023
Publications
Postdoctoral Research
I research planet interiors in the group of Dr. Allona Vazan at ARCO.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
PhD in Astronomy, 2023
Advisor: Prof. Jason H. Steffen
Northwestern University
B.A. in Integrated Science, Physics and Astronomy, and Earth and Planetary Science
Mentoring
I have mentored and am actively mentoring several high school students and undergraduates in research.
Astronomy on Tap
I am the founder of AoT, LV. We present astronomy to our Las Vegas community through engaging and accessible events.
Public Talks
I love sharing science with others and have given talks through Skype a Scientist and the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. You can watch me discuss Pluto with the CSN Planetarium here.
Teaching
At UNLV, I taught undergraduate physics labs. I also am co-developer of Camp Cosmos, a summer camp for middle school students. In Chicago, I spent a year with SAGA Education providing high-dosage math tutoring to at-risk high school students.
Curriculumn & Tutoring
I create curriculumn for astronomy and physical science on Teachers Pay Teachers. I tutor all-ages in physics, math, and astronomy. You can hire me for tutoring on Wyzant.
Small Town
Although I love Chicago and Las Vegas, home still means Iowa for me. I grew up in a small suburb of the suburbs of Des Moines.
Hobbies
I enjoy getting out of the city with my wife to explore the outdoors through camping, hiking, and–of course–stargazing.
Presenting at Astronomy on Tap, Las Vegas.
Rosalie, my mentee, presenting at ExoIV.
Lowell Observatory with Nicole Rice.
Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo in Italy.