MSc and PhD Projects in theoretical studies of interacting stars.

1. International Students:

I can only offer supervision to those who hold an independent fellowship. Unfortunately, no financial support is available from my side to start in 2025 Fall.

2. Canadian students:

Please contact me with your transcripts/GPA to assess your chances of obtaining a Canadian fellowship for your first year. No full financial support will be available from my side to start in 2025 Fall.

Topics include 3d hydrodynamical simulations of stellar intercations (common envelope events) and mass transfer theory and computations.

In modern theoretical astrophysics, numerical simulations are essential. Consequently, all projects require both computational and analytical skills. A strong background in physics and mathematics, along with proficiency in numerical methods and computer literacy, is crucial. Prior knowledge in astrophysics is expected. During your graduate studies at the UofA, you will be required enroll in the following courses:

• Astro 565 (Stellar Astrophysics II)
• ASTRO 595 Part 1 (Theoretical Astrophysics: astrophysical fluid dynamics, and radiative processes)
• ASTRO 595 Part 2 (Extragalactic Astronomy: includes high-energy astrophysics, or multimessenger astronomy, or other)
• Statistical Mechanics (a required core physics course)

Experience has shown that students without the equivalent of 3rd-year astrophysics coursework struggle to pass these courses. Basic familiarity with Linux and LaTeX is recommended, as these will be essential tools in your daily work. You will also need to work with Fortran-based MPI codes, though data processing can be done using languages of your choice (Python, IDL, etc.).

I am committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse research environment and strongly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including women, members of underrepresented groups, and individuals from diverse ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. I believe that a diversity of perspectives strengthens research and innovation.

If you are interested in working on one of these topics, please contact me at nata.ivanova@ualberta.ca. It is highly recommended to reach out as early as possible, ideally before December 1st, to be considered for various fellowships. Note that I am unlikely to accept a student who has not contacted me prior to submitting an application. Be sure to describe your previous experience in theoretical astrophysics and computational work when reaching out.

Note:

- Admissions directly to the PhD program are generally very rare in our department. Specifically, for a PhD admission to work with me, you need to show that you have taken courses equivalent to Master level astrophysics courses and have accomplished an MSc thesis-level research project, either in astrophysics (in the area preferably close to stellar astrophysics or radiation hydrodynamics) or in computational hydrodynamics.

- I will interview you to evaluate your knowledge of astrophysics and computations. That is why it is essential to contact me ASAP. The interview level will depend on whether you apply to the MSc or PhD programs.

- To be clear: yes, your previous experience and knowledge matter and are valuable. However, I will never supervise a research project you plan to carry out. With me as a supervisor, you will conduct the research project that is part of my team's research. Accordingly, I will never supervise a cosmology project, observations, condensed matter, particle physics, etc. For those topics, please get in touch with relevant professors instead.