I am a Greek PhD student in the Astronomy and Astrophysics group at the University of Warwick. I studied Physics in the Department of Physics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, where I specialized in Astronomy. As part of my undergraduate dissertation, I got involved with Cataclysmic Variables (CV's) and related objects. After I got my degree, I moved to Warwick to continue working in the field of CV's, particularly CV-progenitors. My supervisor is Dr Boris Gaensicke.

My thesis is entitled "Parameter studies of white dwarf binaries"

A wide range of types of binary stars undergo the following two processes: a common envelope (CE) and angular momentum loss (AML). The classes of objects affected by these mechanisms include supernova Ia progenitors, low mass X-ray binaries, ultracompact binaries (which will be detectable sources of gravitational wave radiation in the near future) and progenitors of short gamma ray bursts. Despite the clear importance, the current theoretical understanding of CE phases and AML are very poor and underconstrained by observations. The objective of my thesis is to assemble a body of data that will provide (some of) the observational input that is needed to further develop the theory of binary star evolution. For this purpose, a number of white dwarf binaries, both interacting and detached, will be observed and their physical parameters (periods, masses, temperatures, ages, distances) will be determined. Of particular relevance are eclipsing binaries, as they allow the most accurate parameter studies.

• For a list of my work so far, check out my publications through ADS here.
• If you would like to read my undergraduate dissertation, get the pdf file here.

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