The Missing Link: The First Multi-isotopic Abundances in Solar Twin Stars
Testing galactic chemical evolution models with the first multi-isotopic abundances (12C/13C & 16O/18O ) in a sample of dwarf stars:
Read the paper here
BIO
Queer Latino Astronomer, Stellar Spectroscopist, and Exoplaneteer.
Born and raised in Kansas. Proud first-generation student.
I received my B.S. in Physics and B.S. in Mathematics from Kansas State University in May 2020. More recently (July 2025), I recieved my Ph.D in Physics from the University of Kansas working under Prof. Ian Crossfield in the KU ExoLab. My research focus is on elemental and isotopic dwarf star abundances. I am particularly interested in how these dwarf star abundances can be used to test galactic chemical evolution models and how they correlate to other stellar properties. I also measure volatile abundances (C, N, O) in exoplanet host stars to predict the formation history of their companion exoplanets targeted by JWST and state-of-art ground-based observatories.
I am very excited to start my new position as a postdoctoral researcher with the Exoplanets group at the University of New Mexico, led by Dr. Diana Dragomir.
Research
The Wanderer: Analyzing a Carbon & Oxygen Inventory of the WASP-77A System
There are few systems where we can directly compare the chemical composition of a host star to its companion planet. In this study, we measure 12C/13C in the host star WASP-77A to complement a similar easurement in the hot Jupiter companion WASP-77 A b. The abundance inventory ([C/H], [O/H], C/O, and 12C/13C) provides evidence for WASP-77A b's formation in the outer disk followed by migration to its current location at 0.02 AU.
Read the paper here
Echoes in the (Near) Infrared:
Carbon and Oxygen Abundances for K Dwarf Host Stars
K dwarf stars are not as widely studied as hotter G-type stars or cooler, more abundant M dwarfs. Their fundamental parameters (effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity) are often poorly constrained and there is also a notable lack of chemical abundamce measurements for these stars. Without these constraints, it is challenging to contextualize the atmospheric measurements of their companion exoplanets which are prime targets for JWST. In this project, I determine [C/H], [O/H], and investigate propsects for measuring 12C/13C and 16O/18O for six K dwarfs hosting giant exoplanets using high-resolution, near-infrared spectra.
Paper in Preparation
CNO Abundances in Giant
Exoplanet Systems
Tracing giant exoplanet formation history with elemental and isotopic CNO abundances.
Modeling Stellar Spectra & Deriving Elemental Abundances
Generating model spectra using MARCS stellar atmosphere models and TurboSpectrum spectral synthesis code to determine precise chemical abundances in a variety of cool dwarf stars
Testing Galactic Chemical Evolution Models
Dwarf star abundances provide key constraints for the chemical evolution of the local solar neighborhood.
Public Outreach
Finding Exoplanets with NASA's Universe of Learning
Coming early September!
KU Telescope Nights
Making astronomy accessible to the people of Kansas
The Traveling KU Planetarium
Making astronomy accessible to the people of Kansas
CubeWorlds
Making astronomy accessible with arts and crafts! See More CubeWorlds HERE
Message me for Spanish versions!
Las Estrellas y sus Compañeros
Providing SME support for NASA's Universe of Learning and Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA to translate activities and resources to Spanish
Learn more about the project here
Critters
Leopold, our dearly departed "panson".
Thank you for keeping my family company while I was away at grad school. Even though you got sick towards the end, I'll always remember how you stayed strong long enough to see me hooded as Dr. Coria. We miss you so much.
My Cat, Tommy
Age: 5. Loveable scoundrel.
My Dog, Louie
Age: 4. Small Dog Energy
My Snake, Archie
Age: 8. THICC.
My Snake, Sine
Age: 6. Hangry.
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I'm workin' late...
Cuz i'm a singer
Formerly a baritone singing with the Lawrence Civic Choir. Thanks to Dr. Neda Hejazi for coming to see me!
And a clarinetist
Retired KSUMB clarinetist. Is playing the clarinet like riding a bike?
Now That's What I Call Music
Harry Styles
Took a detour from TOE3 to see Love on Tour: July 18th, 2023. Lisbon, Portugal.
Listen to this album: Harry's House
Favorites from this album: Music For a Sushi Restaurant, Late Night Talking, As it Was, Matilda, Satellite
Beyoncé
Attended one of the BEST concerts ever. Renaissance Tour: October 1st, 2023. Kansas City.
Listen to this album: RENAISSANCE
Favorites from this album: I'M THAT GIRL, COZY, ENERGY, BREAK MY SOUL, HEATED, SUMMER RENAISSANCE
BIG Fan of Chappell Roan
Listen to this album: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Favorites from this album: Femininomenon, Red Wine Supernova, Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, HOT TO GO!, Pink Pony Club, Naked in Manhattan
Currently listening to: Lady Gaga
Listen to this album: MAYHEM
Favorites from this album: Disease, Abracadabra, Garden of Eden, Vanish Into You, Zombieboy, How Bad Do U Want Me, Die With A Smile
Currently listening to: Big Time Rush
Been obsessed since I was 12. Saw them in concert for the first time in Albuquerque August 2025, age 27. Passed away.
Listen to this album: BTR
Favorites from this album: Til I Forget About You, Nothing Even Matters, Worldwide, Halfway There, I Know You Know, Big Time Rush, Famous, Stuck
Listen to this album: Elevate
Favorites from this album: Music Sounds Better, Love Me Love Me, If I Ruled the World, Superstar, Elevate
Favorite Artist: Troye Sivan
Listen to this album: Blue Neighborhood
Favorites from this album: WILD, BITE, FOOLS, TALK ME DOWN, COOL, HEAVEN, YOUTH, LOST BOY, for him., SUBURBIA
Listen to this album: Bloom
Favorites from this album: Seventeen, The Good Side, Bloom, What a Heavenly Way to Die, Lucky Strike
Listen to this album: In A Dream
Favorites from this album: Easy, could cry just thinkin about you, STUD, Rager teenager!, IN A DREAM
Listen to this album: Something To Give Each Other
Favorites from this album: Rush, One of Your Girls, Can't Go Back Baby, Got Me Started, Honey
Get In Touch
Feel free to send me an email!