Matthew Miles always had an interest in the idea of the impossible and, more specifically, astrophysics. Focusing on the field through both his undergraduate and graduate programs, Miles’ hard work was recently recognized by the Astronomical Society of Australia.
A postdoctoral researcher in Stephen Taylor’s lab, Miles was awarded the Charlene Heisler Prize for the most outstanding Ph.D. thesis in astronomy. Along with a medal, Miles will receive a $1,000 award, an ASA membership, and the opportunity to present at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Astronomical Society of Australia.
Miles’ thesis examined the science of pulsar timing to detect gravitational waves. Pulsar timing is when scientists observe a star called a pulsar, which emits pulses of radiation as it spins around, and try to predict when the next pulse is going to arrive.
Miles’ research allows scientists to more precisely measure pulsar timing.