Scott Engle, PhD
- Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor
- Science & Environment
Affiliated Programs
Education
- PhD, Astronomy (2015)
James Cook University (Australia) - PhD, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2003)
Villanova University (PA)
About Me
I've been interested in astronomy since I was very young. It was so exciting that you could observe some of the most exotic objects imaginable, at incredible distances, and figure out how they work. One of my main priorities in the classroom is to show students that anything can be understood if you approach it with interest and an open mind.
My research is observational astronomy -- analyzing large data sets that span X-ray / ultraviolet / optical / infrared wavelengths.
One class of objects that I study is pulsating variable stars called Cepheids that are fascinating on their own, but also play a pivotal role in determining distances to other galaxies.
My other long-running project analyzes stars that are smaller and less luminous than the Sun. They comprise ~90% of all stars in the universe, and I study how they evolve over time and whether or not they can host habitable exoplanets.
Research Interests
- Observational astronomy
- Stars and Stellar Physics
- Exoplanets and Planetary Habitability
- Life in the Universe
Media Expertise
Astronomical events or research -- the latest discoveries.