Christopher O’Connor
Astronomy & Space Sciences
Overview
I am a PhD candidate working with Prof. Dong Lai on astrophysical dynamics. I am currently studying the dynamical and physical processes that affect planetary systems around evolved stars and white dwarfs.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in astrophysics at UCLA, where I studied planet formation and dynamics with Profs. Brad Hansen and Smadar Naoz. I also carried out a project in Prof. Andrea Ghez's research group, studying stellar variability in the vicinity of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* at the center of the Milky Way.
Since Fall 2020, I have represented the field of Astronomy and Space Sciences in the Cornell Graduate and Professional Student Assembly; I am also a voting member of the GPSA for the division of Physical Sciences.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing the clarinet and saxophone as well as board games and Dungeons & Dragons. I also like to participate in public outreach, like answering questions for Ask an Astronomer.
Research Focus
Advisor: Professor Dong Lai
Publications
- C. E. O’Connor, B. Liu, D. Lai. 'Enhanced Lidov-Kozai migration and the formation of the transiting giant planet WD1856+534b.' MNRAS, 501, 507-514. 2021. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021MNRAS.501..507O/abstract
- C. E. O’Connor, D. Lai. 'High-eccentricity migration of planetesimals around polluted white dwarfs.' MNRAS, 498, 4005-4020. 2020. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020MNRAS.498.4005O/abstract