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About

Dr. Dayanara Campana is an emerging leader in exoplanetary science, with a primary focus on the ephemeris refinement of transiting exoplanets. Her most cited work, "Original Research by Young Twinkle Students (Orbyts): Ephemeris Refinement of Transiting Exoplanets II" (2020, 10 citations), exemplifies her commitment to both high-precision astrophysics and science education. In this study, Campana led follow-up observations of four key exoplanets—TRES-2 b, HAT-P-22 b, HAT-P-36 b, and XO-2 b—using the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network (LCOGT). Her major contribution lies in improving the orbital ephemerides of these worlds, which is critical for future atmospheric characterization by missions like JWST and Twinkle. By refining transit timings, she helps ensure that upcoming observations capture these planets at the exact moment they cross their host stars. Notably, this research was conducted through the ORBYTS program, which pairs professional scientists with high school students to produce publishable work—a testament to Campana’s dedication to mentoring the next generation. Her work bridges the gap between cutting-edge exoplanet science and inclusive, hands-on education, making her a standout figure in the field.