University of Liège - Belgium
AUTHOR PROFILE
ORCID
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓
Khalid Barkaoui embarked on his academic journey at Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Modern Physics. His passion for astronomy and astrophysics led him to pursue a Master's degree in High Energies, Astronomy, and Computational Physics. He then completed his Ph.D. in Astrophysics, focusing on the detection and characterization of transiting exoplanets using the 0.6m-TRAPPIST-North telescope, in collaboration with the University of Liège and Cadi Ayyad University.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🌠
Khalid's professional career spans multiple prestigious institutions, including the University of Liège, MIT, and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC). As a postdoctoral fellow, he has contributed significantly to the study of exoplanets and their atmospheres. His research includes working on the TRAPPIST-N and TRAPPIST-S telescopes, playing a pivotal role in the discovery and characterization of new exoplanets.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬
Khalid's research primarily focuses on the photometric follow-up of TESS exoplanet candidates, aiming to confirm and characterize new Exoplanets transiting exoplanets. He has been involved in several notable projects, including SPECULOOS-North/South and TRAPPIST-North/South, as well as FTN/MuSCAT3 and FTS/MuSCAT4. His work also includes data reduction and analysis for Las Cumbres Observatory, significantly advancing our understanding of exoplanetary systems.
ACCREDITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 🏅
Khalid's contributions to astrophysics have been widely recognized. He has been a key figure in the discovery of the TRAPPIST-1 system and the characterization of the WASP-161 system. His participation in the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility program and his visits to notable Exoplanets observatories like SPECULOOS-South have further solidified his reputation in the field. His first-author publications in renowned journals such as Nature Astronomy and The Astronomical Journal highlight his significant scientific contributions.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍
Khalid's work has had a profound impact on the field of exoplanetary science. His research on exoplanet detection and atmospheric Exoplanets characterization has provided invaluable insights into the nature of distant worlds. His public outreach efforts, including talks at high schools and universities, have inspired a new generation of astronomers and increased public interest in space exploration.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮
Khalid Barkaoui's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to the discovery and study of exoplanets. As he continues his research, his work promises to uncover new planetary systems and deepen our understanding of the universe. Khalid's dedication to his field ensures that his contributions will have a lasting impact on both the scientific community and the broader public.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS