Veselin Kostov Selected as CRESST II Scientist of the Month
Dr. Veselin Kostov was selected as the CRESST II Scientist of the Month for March 2023. Dr. Kostov is an assistant researcher in the TESS Guest Investigator program at the University of Maryland, College Park. Read on for a Q&A with Veselin.
What do you do for CRESST?
Supporting the TESS Guest Investigator (GI) program as a visiting assistant research scientist. My main task is to assist with GI review process and helpdesk questions, as well as with developing, updating and improving (i) the GI website; (ii) TESS tutorials; and (iii) community outreach products. I am also responsible for creating and distributing regular news bulletins aimed at highlighting important scientific results produced by the community. Recently, I added to the lightkurve package the ability to manipulate TESS Eleanor full-frame image lightcurves.
Background:
My research interests are the detection and characterization of transiting exoplanets and eclipsing stars in multistar systems, with the goal of understanding their formation, evolution, and Galactic context. I have led the discovery of a third of the known transiting circumbinary planets as well as hundreds of eclipsing quadruple stars. I also lead the Planet Patrol citizen science project aimed at analyzing TESS data. To date, Planet Patrol volunteers have vetted nearly 2,000 transiting exoplanet candidates from TESS.
Favorite part of being a CRESST Scientist?
The opportunity to learn from and work with the incredible CRESST scientists.
Highlight of research as a CRESST Scientist: My CRESST task does not support independent scientific research.
Awards won: 2022 NASA ASD Peer Award "For extensive and enthusiastic leadership and mentorship of colleagues at any level of experience and your tireless commitment to advancing science that has driven an unparalleled quantity of new discoveries."
Three fun facts: I am a moderately competent table tennis player and a decent cook. Baking is my nemesis...
To learn more about Veselin’s work or for collaboration, he could be reached at veselin.b.kostov@nasa.gov.
