Graduate Research
I am currently working with professors Jason Jackiewicz and Bernie
McNamara. I study variability and pulsations in stars using Kepler
data. My current project is looking at red giant branch (RGB) stars
with solar-like oscillations, and in particular a subset of
potentially superluminous RGB that have very low oscillation
frequencies. I have previously looked at a large sample of B-stars
within the Kepler dataset to classify and determine pulsation
characteristics.
Undergraduate Research
Much of my undergraduate research has centered around planetary
nebulae (PN). My first project involved looking at the central stars
of planetary nebulae within the MACHO database for both periodic and
non-periodic variations. As a follow up to this project I also looked
at symbiotic stars for variability.
My largest project was done with goal of finding new halo PN
within the Milky Way Galaxy, using large databases, such as Sloan to
identify likely candidates. Candidates identified from color queries
in the SDSS database were then observed in g' and [O III] filters
using the 0.5-m ARCSAT telescope at APO. For candidates that showed
and excess of [O III] emission, spectra with the DIS on the 3.5-m
Telescope at APO were obtained to confirm identification as a PN.
A search for PN in open clusters was also undertaken using the 1-m
telescope at Manastash Ridge Observatory, and the method of
identifying objects with excess [O III] emission. In addition to this
project, I studied abundances of some well known PN looking for
correlations between chemical properties and physical parameters.
Another research project I had was studying high dispersion
spectra obtained over a five month period during the last major
outburst of the symbiotic star BF Cygni. I identified many emission
lines present in the spectra and noted the changes in the line
profiles over time. Most notable in our findings is the strong
presence of Fe I emission lines.
Refereed Publications
The Classification of Kepler B-star Variables
B. McNamara, J. Jackiewicz, J. McKeever,
2012, AJ, 143, 101
The Dynamical Distance, RR Lyrae Absolute Magnitude, and Age of the Globular Cluster NGC 6266
B. McNamara, J. McKeever,
2011, AJ, 142, 163
High-Dispersion Spectroscopy of BF Cygni at the Beginning of the 2006 Outburst
J. McKeever, J. Lutz, G. Wallerstein, U. Munari, A. Siviero,
2011, PASP, 123, 1062
Planetary Nebula Central Stars and Symbiotic Stars in the MACHO Galactic
Bulge Database
J. Lutz, O. Fraser, J. McKeever, D. Tugaga,
2010, PASP, 122, 524
Conference Proceedings & Poster Presentations
Variable Red Supergiants: Solar-like Oscillations at Ultra-low Frequencies?
J. McKeever, J. Jackiewicz, P. Gaulme,
2012, 5th KASC Workshop, Balatonalmadi, Hungary
Emission Line Spectrum of BF Cyg
J. McKeever, J. Lutz, G. Wallerstein, U. Munari, A. Siviero,
2011, ASPC, 448, 677
Unusual Pulsation Properties of Red Giant Branch Stars in Kepler
J. McKeever, J. Jackiewicz, B. McNamara, J. McAteer, L. Boucheron, H. Cao, M. Kirk, K. Degrave,
2011, AAS 219th Meeting, 348.05
Spectra of 12 New Planetary Nebulae in the Milky Way Galaxy
J. McKeever, T. Gomez, B. Balick, J. Lutz, K. Kwitter, S. Snedden,
2011, AAS 217th Meeting, 256.09
Symbiotic Stars and Planetary Nebula Central Stars in the MACHO Galactic
Bulge Database
J. McKeever, O. Fraser, J. Lutz, & D. Tugaga,
2010, AAS 215th Meeting, 418.03
