Ethan Lilie, advised by Professor Andrew Zentner, presented his research, “The Effects of Spin-Independent Dark Matter on Stellar Evolution,” at the Emil Sanielevici Research Award Seminar yesterday on February 21, 2024. This $4,000 tuition scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate major in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in memory of our student, Emil Sanielevici (1979-2000), whose enthusiasm and love of scientific research continue to inspire us all. Each year, the winner of the award will present their research at this seminar.

The Effects of Spin-Independent Dark Matter on Stellar Evolution

Abstract: Dark matter can be captured by stars and transfer energy, which can leads to significant changes in the evolution of stars. I will focus on Asymmetric Dark Matter (ADM) which has no present day annihilation, meaning that stars can capture and build up large quantities of dark matter. I will focus specifically on spin-independent ADM, and therefore the relevant cross sections are between the ADM and nuclei which have atomic numbers that are multiples of two. This captured ADM can transport energy throughout the star and lead to significant effects when compared to stars with no dark matter. I use Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) in order to model stars and an independent Fortran package to interface with MESA for the effects of ADM.

Congratulations Ethan! And thank you to Sergiu Sanielevici for continuing to join us in preserving Emil's memory through this award.

Apply for the 2025-25 Award! Applications are due on March 4, 2024.