Travis Rector, Ph.D.

Dr. Travis Rector
Professor
Department of Physics & Astronomy
CPSB 202J
(907) 786-1242
tarector@alaska.edu

Education

  • Ph.D., Astrophysics, University of Colorado, 1998
  • M.S., Astrophysics, University of Colorado, 1995
  • B.S., Physics, Trinity University, 1992

Teaching Responsibilities

  • ASTR A103 Solar System Astronomy
  • ASTR A104 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
  • ASTR A365 Astrobiology
  • PHYS A123 Basic Physics I

Research Interests

  • Astronomy Education Research
  • Blazars (BL Lac Objects)
  • Multiwavelength Observational Techniques
  • Cataclysmic Variables
  • Young Stellar Objects in Star-forming Regions
  • Imagery and Visualization of Research Data

Publications

Full Publication List Available

Recent Publications:

Puckett, Andrew W.; Rector, Travis A.; Baalke, Ron; Ajiki, Osamu (2016). OrbitMaster: An Online Tool for Investigating Solar System Dynamics and Visualizing Orbital Uncertainties in the Undergraduate Classroom. American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #227, id.328.09

Hoette, Vivian L.; Puckett, Andrew W.;...; Rector, Travis A.; et al. (2015). Contextual Student Learning through Authentic Asteroid Research Projects using a Robotic Telescope Network. American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #47, id.219.21

Jaeger, M.; Prosperi, E.; Vollmann, W.;...; Rector, T. A.; et al. (2015). 2015 SZ. Minor Planet Electronic Circ., No.2015-S66

Shafter, A. W.; Henze, M.; Rector, T. A.; Schweizer, F.; Hornoch, K.; Orio, M.; Pietsch, W.; Darnley, M. J.; Williams, S. C.; Bode, M. F.; Bryan, J. (2015). Recurrent Novae in M31. The Astrophysical Journal Supplement, Volume 216, Issue 2, article id. 34, 35 pp

Lauber, Stephanie; Rector, Travis A.; Shafter, Allen W. (2015). New Nova Candidates from the RSBE M31 Nova Survey. American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #225, id.344.01

Huang, Ya-Fang; Li, Jin-Zeng; Rector, Travis A.; Fan, Zhou (2014). Investigation of star formation toward the Sharpless 155 H II region. Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Volume 14, Issue 10, article id. 1269-1278

Shafter, Allen W.; Rector, T. A.; Schweizer, F.; Bryan, J. (2014). Identification of Recurrent Novae in M31. American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #223, id.154.09

Meech, K. J.; Yang, B.; Keane, J.; Ansdell, M.; Riesen, T.; Kleyna, J.; Hsieh, H.; Mottola, S.; Kuhrt, E.; Chiang, H.; Reipurth, B.; Michaud, P.; Rector, T. (2013). Development of Activity in Comet C/2012 S1 ISON. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2013, abstract #P24A-01

Howell, S. B.; Rector, T. A.; Walter, D. (2013) Erratum. Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Volume 125, issue 932, pp.1285-1286

Meech, Karen J.; Yang, B.; Keane, J. V.; Ansdell, M.; Riesen, T. E.; Kleyna, J.; Hsieh, H.; Mottola, S.; Kuehrt, E.; Chiang, H.; Reipurth, B.; Milani, G.; Bryssinck, E.;Michaud, P.; Rector, T. (2013) Development of Activity in Comet C/2012 S1 ISON. American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #45, id.407.03

Howell, Steve B.; Rector, Travis A.; Walter, Donald (2013). Optical Spectroscopy at Deep Light Minimum of R Coronae Boreali. Publications of the Astronomical Society of Pacific, Volume 125, Issue 930, pp. 879-888 (2013)

Wooten, Michelle; Rector, T. A.; Puckett, A. W.; Coble, K. A. (2013) What Non-science Majors Gain from Participating in Authentic Scientific Research: The Results from a Decade-long Assessment Program. American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #222, id.120.12

Huang, Ya Fang; Zeng Li, Jin; Rector, Travis A.; Mallamaci, Carlos C. (2013). Efficient Selection and Classification of Infrared Excess Emission Stars Based on AKARI and 2MASS Data. The Astronomical Journal, Volume 145, Issue 5, article id. 126, 9 pp.

Rector, T. A.; Schweiker, H. (2013). A Search for Herbig-Haro Objects in NGC 7023 and Barnard 175. The Astronomical Journal, Volume 145, Issue 2, article id. 35, 4 pp.

Rector, Travis A.; Walentosky, M. J.; Pilachowski, C. A.; RBSE Nova Search Team (2013). A Uniform Catalog of Novae in M31. American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #221, id.148.09

Krok, Michelle; Rector, T.; Young, M. J. (2012). Measuring Student Understanding of the Process of Scientific Research through Three Modes of Assessment. American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #219, id.134.05

Fabbiano, G.; Brogan, C.; Calzetti, D.; Djorgovski, S. G.; Eskridge, P.; Ivezic, Z.; Feigelson, E.; Goodman, A.; Madore, B.; Postman, M.; Soderberg, A.; Rector, T. (2011). Recommendations of the Virtual Astronomical Observatory (VAO) Science Council for the VAO second year activity. eprint arXiv:1108.4348

Rector, Travis A.; Krok, M.; Young, M. (2011). Measuring Student Gains in Understanding the Process of Scientific Research. American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #218, id.215.06; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 43,

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