This research uses artificial intelligence and astronomical data to search for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. By applying anomaly-detection techniques to telescope images, the project identifies unusual signals or patterns that may indicate intelligent activity, with the ultimate goal of detecting and decoding potential messages from civilizations beyond Earth.

This research investigates how exoplanets form by analyzing the chemical fingerprints of their host stars. Using stellar abundances and galactic archaeology, the work explores how rocky material shapes planetary systems, whether stars consume planets, and how common Earth-like worlds may be throughout the Milky Way.

This research develops advanced telescope technologies for directly imaging exoplanets located near bright stars. Using deformable mirrors and specialized optical screens to suppress starlight, the work aims to capture full-colour images of potentially habitable “Goldilocks” planets, helping scientists study planetary atmospheres, temperatures, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

This research identifies potentially habitable rocky exoplanets by measuring their densities, water content, and internal heating through orbital interactions and transit observations. Using these techniques, several promising ocean and volcanic worlds have been identified as targets for the James Webb Space Telescope in the search for extraterrestrial life and habitable environments.

This research investigates the origins of cosmic dust, a critical ingredient for stars, planets, and life. Using infrared observations of massive stellar explosions through the Red Astronomical Transient Survey, the study shows that massive stars produce significant amounts of both silicate and carbon-rich dust, shaping galaxy evolution and early planet formation.

This research develops methods to detect and study exomoons, moons orbiting planets outside our solar system. By combining high-contrast imaging with indirect detection techniques, the work aims to identify exomoons, analyze their atmospheres, and search for biosignatures such as oxygen and methane that could indicate extraterrestrial life.

This research investigates the tilt of exoplanets to understand their formation and evolution. By developing a new measurement method, it identifies a Uranus-like tilted planet and enables broader study of planetary systems. These insights help reveal climates, histories, and potential habitability of distant worlds beyond our solar system.

Directly imaging Earth-like exoplanets is one of astronomy’s greatest challenges. Using GLINT, an interferometric instrument on the Subaru Telescope, this research cancels overwhelming starlight to reveal faint nearby planets—paving the way toward discovering another “pale blue dot” and possibly a second Earth.

The researcher studies how clouds on distant exoplanets affect their climates and potential for life. Working with NASA, they model how exotic materials—like iron or sapphire clouds—absorb and reflect light. They found particle shape greatly influences temperature and habitability, helping determine whether alien worlds could support liquid water and life.