Biography

I grew up in North-West Tasmania and attended the University of Tasmania in Hobart for my BSc in Physics/Applied Mathematics and BSc (Hons) in Physics. During this time, I became interested in the supermassive black holes found in galaxy centres known as Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), which play a large role in the formation and evolution of galaxies over cosmic time. For my PhD, I will be simulating the processes that govern accretion onto these objects, and how different instabilities generated during accretion may lead to a twinkling effect at X-ray wavelengths. The findings from this project will help inform our understanding of the behaviour of weakly-magnetised plasmas and turbulence in fluids, which may have far-reaching consequences beyond the field of AGN. I will also be continuing on with my second passion, which is to find new ways to share the wonders of science with as many people as possible, particularly students in our oft-forgotten rural communities. I believe that all students should have the necessary opportunities to forge their own future, regardless of wealth or circumstance, and that the provision of scholarships and additional academic and pastoral supports is key to closing this societal gap.

Previous Education

University of Tasmania Physics 2018
University of Tasmania Physics, Applied Mathematics 2017

Links

https://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/people/Payton.Rodman
https://www.paytonelyce.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/payton-rodman