Education
In Progress: Doctoral Degree in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
Expected Completion: Spring 2012
University of Colorado at Boulder -- Current GPA: 3.96/4.00
Master of Science in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
Completed in May 2010
University of Colorado at Boulder -- GPA: 3.96/4.00
Bachelor of Science in Astronomy with a minor in Mathematics, Magna Cum Laude with College Honors
Completed in June 2007
University of Washington -- GPA: 3.86/4.00
Bachelor of Science in Physics, Magna Cum Laude with College Honors
Completed in June 2007
University of Washington -- GPA: 3.86/4.00
Research
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Colorado at Boulder -- Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
Faculty Advisor: Professor J. Michael Shull
May 2008 - Present
Primary focus is the study of dust-gas interactions in supernova remnants to calculate dust destruction rates. Goal of the project is to determine the amount of dust that survives the energetic environment of the remnant.
Post-undergraduate Researcher
University of Washington -- Department of Astronomy
Faculty Advisor: Professor Eric Agol
June 2007 - August 2007
Full-time research with paid stipend
Project topic: KH 15D
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Washington -- Department of Astronomy
Faculty Advisor: Professor Eric Agol
April 2005 - June 2007
Primary focus was the study of KH 15D, a T-Tauri binary star which eclipses once every 48 days. Goal of the project was to accurately model the observed behaviors of the binary system.
NASA Summer Undergraduate Research Program
University of Washington
Faculty Advisor: Professor Eric Agol
2005 and 2006
Full-time research with paid stipend
Project topic: KH 15D
Teaching
Teaching Assistant
University of Colorado -- Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
August 2007 - May 2008
Course: ASTR 1010
Coure topic: Solar System Astronomy
Responsible for guiding students through the lab portion of the ASTR 1010 course, holding night-time observing sessions, and offering office hours for additional course assistance.
Graduate Honors
Departmental Honorific Supplemental Fellowship
August 2009
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
May 2009
Publications/Presentations
Silvia, D. W., Smith, B. D., & Shull, J. M. 2010. "Numerical Simulations of Supernova Dust Destruction. I. Cloud-crushing and Post-processed Grain Sputtering", ApJ, 715, 1575
Silvia, D. W., & Agol, E. 2008. "Extending the Model of KH 15D: Estimating the Effects of Forward Scattering and the Occulting Ring Edge", ApJ, 681, 1377
Poster: Numerical Simulations of Dust Destruction in Supernova Remnants, Silvia, D. W., Smith, B. D. & Shull, J. M. 215th AAS Meeting, 2010
Poster: Extending the Model of KH 15D, SIlvia, D. W. & Agol, E., 209th AAS Meeting, 2007
Public Outreach
Volunteer for Astronomy Day at the University of Colorado
April 2009 and 2010
Regular Volunteer for Sommers-Bausch Observatory Public Open Houses
September 2007 - Present