Tracing the Life of Massive Stars
From the shores of Galicia to the skies of Tenerife
I am Daniel, an astrophysicist specializing in stellar physics and observational techniques. Originally from Meirás (Galicia, Spain), I earned my BSc in Physics from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, where I developed an early interest in stellar astrophysics through my BSc thesis Photometric observations of eclipsing binary star systems. This period was marked by a pivotal year at the Universidad de La Laguna via the SICUE program, where I took my first specialized courses in astrophysics and carried out my initial observations in collaboration with researchers of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC).
In 2021, I moved to Tenerife to enroll in the Master's in Astrophysics at the Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), an academic program uniquely integrated with the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). This environment provided a amazing synergy between coursework and front-line research. I completed an intensive curriculum covering stellar physics, galactic dynamics, and astronomical instrumentation, learning directly from world-class researchers. My master culminated in 2023 with the MSc thesis "Physical parameters of the low-mass eclipsing binary system ASAS J052919-1617.3". In this work, I applied sophisticated light-curve modeling and spectroscopic analysis to characterize fundamental stellar parameters of low-mass binaries, contributing to the calibration of stellar evolution models. The project was awarded with the highest academic grade.
Currently, I am a PhD student in the Physical Properties and Evolution of Massive Stars group at the IAC. My research investigates the rotational dynamics of massive stars — the cosmic giants that eventually become supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes. Specifically, I study how extreme rotation (>200 km/s) distorts these stars into "rugby-ball" shapes, altering their fundamental parameters and evolution.
Beyond my core research, I am actively engaged in academic development, teaching, and scientific outreach:
- Promoting scientific community in Galicia: Co-founder of the first association of Galician astrophysicists, an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration, increasing visibility, and strengthening the link between Galician researchers.
- Teaching & Mentorship: Teacher at the Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) — where I contribute to undergraduate teaching — and co-supervisor of BSc theses in stellar astrophysics.
- Science Communication: Actively promoting astrophysics to broader audiences through public talks, observational activities, and educational initiatives.