Daniel Robertson

Research Interests

With the continuous cycle of stellar evolution, elements are produced and ejected into the Universe through the processes of stellar burning during a star’s life cycle, and the release of created material during explosive events. Despite the abundance and necessity for the elements that enrich our Universe, the rates of production and their mechanisms still pose mysteries. Dr. Robertson’s main research focus is to recreate in the laboratory, element producing reactions in stellar like conditions, and then analyze the resultant products and energy release. The results of these measurements are used as inputs into theoretical stellar models striving to reproduce astrophysical observations.

The pursuit of a more complete understanding of element production, and the environments they are created in, has driven the need for newer and more advanced ways of both emulating, and measuring reactions previously out of reach to earth based laboratories. His work in accelerator technology and the development of a deep underground accelerator laboratory helps create the tools needed for such investigations.