Simon Blouin receives a PhD Prize from IAU

Simon Blouin, who recently completed a doctoral thesis under the supervision of Professor Patrick Dufour, was awarded a PhD Prize from the “Stars and Stellar Physics” division of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for the year 2019

Simon Blouin’s thesis focuses on the modeling of cool white dwarf star atmospheres. During his research, he used theoretical techniques conventionally used in plasma physics and in condensed matter physics to improve the accuracy of the models. These new models are now in excellent agreement with observations of cool white dwarfs, which makes it possible to confidently determine the properties of these objects and sometimes even the properties of planets, comets or asteroids which have been accreted by these stars.

Since July 2019, Dr. Blouin is a Director’s Postdoc Fellow at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. After focusing on the atmosphere of white dwarfs during his doctoral studies, he is currently conducting research aimed at improving our understanding of the interior of these objects. He is particularly interested in the crystallization of the cores of white dwarfs, a crucial phenomenon in the evolution of these stars during which the liquid interior solidifies.

The Centre for research in astrophysics of Quebec (CRAQ) congratulates Simon Blouin for this prestigious award.

About the IAU PhD Prize

The IAU PhD Prize recognises outstanding scientific achievement in astrophysics around the world. Each IAU Division has, once a year, the opportunity to award its own prize to the candidate it feels has carried out the most remarkable work in the previous year (i.e. a PhD Thesis which has been defended between the 16 December in the previous year, and 15 December of the current year).

The recipient of each award receives a range of prizes, tailored by each Division at their own discretion. A standard prize includes airfare and accommodation to attend the next IAU General Assembly where certificates will be awarded. Other prizes might include the opportunity to present their thesis work at Division Days, an invitation to attend presentations to the IAU Executive Committee meeting and dinner at the General Assembly, and the possibility of presenting a talk at either a plenary or special session.

Additional info: https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann20022/

Source:
Robert Lamontagne
Public outreach
Centre de recherche en astrophysique du Québec
Phone : (438) 495-3482
lamont@astro.umontreal.ca