University of Liège - Belgium
Author Profile
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Khalid Barkaoui began his academic journey with a deep passion for astrophysics and space sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Liège and Cadi Ayyad University (2015–2020), focusing on the detection and characterization of transiting exoplanets using the 0.6m-TRAPPIST-North telescope. His earlier academic achievements include a Master’s in High Energies, Astronomy, and Computational Physics (2013–2015) and a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Physics (2012–2013), both from Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech. His formative education laid a solid foundation in observational astrophysics, planetary science, and computational modeling, setting the stage for his future research in exoplanets.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Barkaoui has established himself as a prominent researcher in the field of exoplanetary studies. Since 2021, he has been a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Liège, MIT (Cambridge, USA), and IAC (La Laguna, Spain), where he continues to contribute to cutting-edge research. His work involves the use of advanced telescopic facilities, including the TRAPPIST and SPECULOOS networks, to identify and study exoplanets around distant stars. His expertise in observational astrophysics has led him to collaborate with some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide, including MIT and the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Barkaoui’s research primarily focuses on exoplanets, specifically the detection and atmospheric characterization of transiting exoplanets. He has played a crucial role in the TRAPPIST-1 system characterization, one of the most significant discoveries in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system. His involvement in projects like WASP-193b, an extremely low-density super-Neptune, and the MANGOS survey, which investigates M-dwarf stars accompanied by close-in giant planets, highlights his contribution to planetary science. His expertise extends to ground-based observations of exoplanets, utilizing state-of-the-art instruments to enhance our understanding of planetary atmospheres and compositions.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Barkaoui has had a profound impact on the field of exoplanet research. His participation in international conferences, including the TESS Science Conference III at MIT, and invited talks at leading institutions like the Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MIT) and the Fondazione Internazionale Balzan (Milan, Italy) demonstrate his influence in the scientific community. His work is widely recognized, and he continues to inspire young astronomers through workshops, lectures, and mentoring. His contributions to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the TRAPPIST-1 system, have significantly advanced our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.
🏆Academic Cites
Dr. Barkaoui’s research is extensively cited in academic literature, reflecting the impact and importance of his contributions. His papers on the characterization of exoplanets and observational techniques have been referenced in leading astrophysics journals and conference proceedings. His participation in large-scale exoplanet detection projects ensures that his work remains at the forefront of planetary science.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Khalid Barkaoui aims to expand his research into exoplanet atmospheres, habitability, and biosignatures. His future contributions are expected to refine detection methods and improve the precision of planetary characterization. As a key figure in exoplanetary research, he is likely to lead new projects that push the boundaries of our knowledge of distant worlds. His commitment to scientific excellence and international collaboration ensures that his legacy will continue to shape the future of astrophysical research.
📝Notable Publication
📝OrCAS: Origins, Compositions, and Atmospheres of Sub-Neptunes. I. Survey Definition
Authors: Ian J.M. Crossfield, Alex S. Polanski, Paul M. Robertson, Ozgur Baştürk, Ghachoui Mourad, et al.
Journal: Astronomical Journal
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
📝Discovery and Characterization of an Eccentric, Warm Saturn Transiting the Solar Analog TOI-4994
Authors: Romy Rodriguez-Martinez, Jason D. Eastman, Karen A. Collins, Christina L. Hedges, Ismael Mireles, et al.
Journal: Astronomical Journal
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
📝NGTS-31b and NGTS-32b: Two Inflated Hot Jupiters Orbiting Subgiant Stars
Authors: José I. Vines, James S. Jenkins, David R. Anderson, Joshua N. Winn, Tafadzwa Zivave, et al.
Journal: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
📝A Fourth Planet in the Kepler-51 System Revealed by Transit Timing Variations
Authors: Kento Masuda, Jessica E. Libby-Roberts, John H. Livingston, Giuseppe Marino, Gavin Wang, et al.
Journal: Astronomical Journal
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝TOI-5005 b: A Super-Neptune in the Savanna Near the Ridge
Authors: Amadeo Castro-González, Jorge Lillo-Box, David J. Armstrong, Cristilyn N. Watkins, Carl A. Ziegler, et al.
Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Year: 2024
Citations: 2
📝The Inflated, Eccentric Warm Jupiter TOI-4914 b Orbiting a Metal-Poor Star, and the Hot Jupiters TOI-2714 b and TOI-2981 b
Authors: Giacomo Mantovan, Thomas G. Wilson, Luca Borsato, Mathilde Timmermans, Cristilyn N. Watkins, et al.
Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
📝TOI 762 A b and TIC 46432937 b: Two Giant Planets Transiting M-Dwarf Stars
Authors: Joel D. Hartman, Daniel D.R. Bayliss, Rafael Brahm, Christopher J. Burke, David R. Rodriguez, et al.
Journal: Astronomical Journal
Year: 2024
Citations: 2