2026 Project Description

Uncertainty quantification of sulfur chemistry in exoplanet atmospheres

Supervisors

Shang-Min Tsai
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

As we enter the JWST era, spectroscopy has revealed a wealth of atmospheric compositions that provide new insights into planet formation histories and the dynamical processes shaping planetary systems. Owing to its wide range of oxidation states, sulfur readily forms bonds with carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, leading to a rich suite of disequilibrium photochemical products that can significantly impact observed spectra. However, the predictive capability of current chemical kinetics models for sulfur species is limited by the lack of high-quality reaction rate data. A critical first step toward addressing this limitation is to identify which sulfur reactions dominate model uncertainties and drive observable outcomes. In this project, we will: 1. Use Monte Carlo approaches to study the propagation of chemical rate uncertainties 2. Identify key sulfur reactions for ab initio chemical calculations 3. Quantify uncertainties in observable spectra arising from chemical uncertainties The student may also be involved in a NASA XRP project, pending successful funding (NNH25ZDA001N-XRP; PI: Dr. Julianne Moses).

Required Background

Basic knowledge of programming and shell commands Good English communication skills