Deborah Lynn Ferguson
Physics PhD Candidate
The focus of my research has been the development and analysis of numerical relativity simulations, particularly in the context of gravitational wave detections. An important part of that has been assessing the readiness of current numerical relativity codes for the challenges that will come with LISA and third-generation ground-based detectors. Additionally, I have been optimizing the placement of numerical relativity simulations in parameter space in order to more effectively utilize limited computational resources. I conduct this research with Dr. Deirdre Shoemaker at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and am a part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the LISA Consortium.
The focus of my research has been the development and analysis of numerical relativity simulations, particularly in the context of gravitational wave detections. An important part of that has been assessing the readiness of current numerical relativity codes for the challenges that will come with LISA and third-generation ground-based detectors. Additionally, I have been optimizing the placement of numerical relativity simulations in parameter space in order to more effectively utilize limited computational resources. I conduct this research with Dr. Deirdre Shoemaker at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and am a part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the LISA Consortium.
Education
Ph.D. Physics
Georgia Institute of Technology
M.S. Physics
Georgia Institute of Technology
B.S. Physics
Minors: Mathematics, Computer Science
University of Kentucky
Publications
Inside the Final Black Hole: Puncture and Trapped Surface Dynamics
Christopher Evans, Deborah Ferguson, Bhavesh Khamesra, Pablo Laguna, Deirdre Shoemaker
SubmittedOpen data from the first and second observing runs of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo
LIGO Scientific Collaboration
SubmittedPresentations
Assessing the Readiness of Numerical Relativity for Future Gravitational Wave Detections
D. Ferguson, K. Jani, D. Shoemaker
American Physical Society April Meeting
Virtual
Assessing the Readiness of Numerical Relativity for Future Gravitational Wave Detections
D. Ferguson, K. Jani, D. Shoemaker
235th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
Honolulu, HI
Using Machine Learning to Optimize Placement of Numerical Relativity Simulations
D. Ferguson
Machine Learning in Science and Engineering Conference
Atlanta, GA
Numerical Relativity Errors in LISA
D. Ferguson, K. Jani, D. Shoemaker
LISA Waveform Working Group Meeting
Golm, Germany
Revealing the Final Black Hole from Signal at Maximum Amplitude
D. Ferguson, et al.
American Physical Society April Meeting
Columbus, OH
Apparent Horizon Dynamics of Binary Black Hole Systems
D. Ferguson, et al.
Georgia Regional Astronomers Meeting
Athens, GA
Mobile Physics Engine Modeling Two Dimensional Elastic and Inelastic Collisions for the Educational Demonstration of Physics Phenomena
C. Powell, D. Ferguson
National Conference on Undergraduate Research
Lexington, KY
Honors and Awards
Larry S. O'Hara Graduate Student Fellowship
Georgia Institute of Technology
Amelio Award for Research Excellence
Georgia Institute of Technology
Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
Oak Ridge, Lindau Committee
Georgia Tech Institute Fellowship
Georgia Institute of Technology
Outstanding Senior in Physics
University of Kentucky
Summer Research Grant
University of Kentucky
Outstanding Junior in Physics
University of Kentucky
Singletary Scholarship
University of Kentucky
National Merit Finalist
National Merit Scholarship Foundation
Contact
Georgia Institute of Technology - Center for Relativistic Astrophysics
Boggs Building, Office 1-90B
Atlanta, GA 30332
E: dferguson41 [at] gatech.edu