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In astronomy, it’s easy to wonder, but hard to know—that’s where students come in.

Billy Quarles, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

  • Faculty
College of Science and Engineering | Department of Physics and Astronomy
Contact Billy
Website
Office
McFarland Science Building, 145
Related Majors
Related Department
College of Science and Engineering
Department of Physics and Astronomy

A conversation with Billy Quarles

What are your teaching interests?

As an Assistant Professor, I strive to ignite curiosity in Astronomy and Physics by blending traditional lectures with engaging YouTube videos for a dynamic, immersive experience. I supplement my upper-level classes with tailored materials, like JupyterBooks, to help students master Python and become more efficient learners. My goal is to inspire you with modern tools and a passion for science that fuels your academic journey.

What are your research interests?

My research in planetary dynamics focuses on unraveling the mysteries of exoplanets, particularly through collaborations that have discovered six circumbinary planets and one exomoon candidate, using the Kepler and TESS telescopes. I'm recognized as a world expert on the potential for planets in the Alpha Centauri system and the stability of planets in binary star systems. By studying these cosmic systems, I aim to deepen our understanding of how planets form and thrive in complex stellar environments.

Education Background

  • Ph.D., Physics and Applied Physics, University of Texas at Arlington
  • M.S., Physics, Stephen F. Austin State University
  • B.S., Physics and Astronomy, Texas Christian University
  • ASTR 120: Life in the Universe
  • ASTR 1303: Stars and the Universe
  • ASTR 1304: Solar System
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