Harry Cook

Profile picture of Harrison Cook

Education

Research

My current research involves investigating the origin mechanisms of intermediate-mass black holes (IMBH). In particular, the accretion disks of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) offer a unique environment which may facilitate IMBH growth. AGN disks interact with nuclear star clusters capturing objects in the disk, concentrating them in orbital migration traps, and increasing the likelihood they will encounter and merge with similarly captured objects.

To do so, I am conducting simulations of supernovae in disks using the Athena magnetohydrodynamics code in order to first understand the trapped stars’ feedback on disk structure.

Teaching

  • ASTR 110: Introduction to Astronomy – Lab

Teaching and Outreach Activities

  • 2019 El Paso Space Festival