Hello!
I’m Lisa Drummond, an Australian graduate student researching theoretical astrophysics. I completed a Bachelor of Science (with a Major in Physics and Concurrent Diploma in Pure Mathematics) and a Master of Science (Physics) at the University of Melbourne. My MSc thesis involved investigating the interaction of the different topological defects (neutron vortices and proton flux tubes) that thread the quantum fluids inside of a neutron star.
My fascination with astrophysics stems from an interest in extreme and counter-intuitive physics that exists outside of our everyday experience; my major interests include compact objects and gravitational waves. Beyond astrophysics, I love learning about any kind of physical process that can be described beautifully by different strains of mathematics, e.g. fundamental quantum physics, general relativity, particle physics and statistical mechanics.
A glassy system of neutron vortices coupled to a proton flux tube array titled relative to the rotation axis, evolving in imaginary time. (Top) Cross-sections of neutron density through z=0. (Bottom) Three-dimensional surface plots of neutron density where the red shading traces out vortices.
Lisa V. Drummond 