Becka Phillipson, PhD

Becka Phillipson is a pioneer in the study of chaotic variability and nonlinearity of astrophysical systems, particularly those involving compact objects like black holes and neutron stars. As an Assistant Professor of Physics at Villanova University, she employs innovative time-series analysis techniques, including recurrence plot analysis, to uncover hidden patterns in the complex light curves of X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei. Her current research combines nonlinear dynamics techniques with machine learning to conduct large-scale ensemble studies of black hole systems, connecting variability patterns to fundamental physical properties like accretion rates and black hole masses, while also innovating novel approaches to sonify such complex astrophysical data. Dr. Phillipson's research has been supported by prestigious fellowships including the NSF MPS-Ascend Postdoctoral Fellowship and the NSF Ascending Faculty Catalyst Award, totaling over $600,000 in funding. She earned her Ph.D. in Physics from Drexel University, where her dissertation explored the nonlinear time variability of accretion disks around compact objects. Beyond her research contributions to leading journals like MNRAS and ApJ, Dr. Phillipson is committed to mentoring the next generation of astrophysicists, involving them directly in her research projects and publications, and she actively engages in science policy and public outreach, including serving on the AAS Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy.