Matthew Lightheart

Matthew started his studies as a master’s student at Bishop’s University in September 2023, under the supervision of Professor Jason Rowe. Matthew’s current research is the characterization of extrasolar planets using the method of difference imaging applied to exoplanet transit observations collected by the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec). The observations will enable the spectra of these planets to be extracted and be used to study their atmospheres.

Matthew completed his bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2023, at Queen’s University at Kingston, earning a degree in physics with a specialization in astrophysics. Here he completed an honours thesis which looked at the properties of star formation within a high mass molecular cloud.

Currently, Matthew is one of the Bishop’s University representative for the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) Graduate Students Committee and is also assisting in an introductory astronomy course during his studies.