Compact Stars Research Group 

Center for Nuclear Research, KSU

“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, and the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of star stuff.”

― Carl Sagan, Cosmos 

I am a theoretical nuclear and particle astrophysicist specializing in the study of dense and hot matter in compact stars. The research in her group focuses on the properties of white dwarfs, neutron stars, proto-neutron stars, and stellar mergers. This includes the effects of extremely large magnetic fields and the formation of exotic particles (different from the ones present in atomic nuclei), such as hyperons and deconfined quarks. Depending on how abruptly exotic matter appears inside compact stars, it can be associated with observational signals, which can give us insight into new phases of matter. 

Research Interests:

Collaboration: MUSES, NP3M, FRIB Theory Alliance

Associate Professor, Kent State University, OH

Director, Center of Nuclear Research

Email: vdexheim@kent.edu 

Office Address: 209, Smith Hall