Learning about Massive Binary Stellar Evolution from High Mass X-ray Binaries in Local Group Galaxies

Multiwavelength observations of populations of evolved massive stellar binaries are crucial for understanding the complex process of massive binary stellar evolution that can result in binary compact object mergers observable with gravitational waves. High mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) are evolved massive stellar binaries in which the primary star has become a compact object and accretes from a massive secondary star. In this talk I will discuss ongoing work to characterize the population of HMXBs in massive spiral and low mass, dwarf galaxies in the Local Group. Combining deep optical and X-ray observations allows us to characterize each galaxy's HMXB population including measuring X-ray luminosities, physical properties of the secondary stars, and the HMXB age distribution and production rate for each galaxy. These measured population demographics can be used to constrain theoretical binary stellar evolution models. Comparing HMXB populations across galaxies of different masses, star formation rates, and chemical compositions allows us to constrain the impact of these galaxy-scale properties on massive binary stellar evolution. I will also spend a portion of the talk discussing my career path in academia and ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion work.