One of the fundamental problems in the formation of stars is understanding the origin of stellar masses, and the corresponding initial mass function. Are stellar masses fixed by a self-regulating process, resulting in a truly universal IMF? Or do initial conditions determine the emergent mass distribution of a forming stellar cluster? We have embarked on a program combining near-infrared photometry and IR spectroscopy in order to constrain the ratio of high to low mass stars as well as the ratio of stars to sub-stellar objects in young clusters of stars found in a variety of star-forming environments from nearby star-forming regions, to extreme regions of star formation in the Milky Way galaxy and throughout the local group. Our goal is to characterize stellar mass distributions of different regions, comparing them both with each other and with the field star IMF, and determine whether; i) different conditions are required for the formation of high and low mass stars; ii) the mass function of young clusters continues to rise beyond the hydrogen burning limit; and iii) emergent mass distributions depend sensitively on initial conditions.

Equally important is the understanding the evolution of circumstellar disks. Such disks, thought to be the pre-cursors of planetary systems, appear to be a common by-product of the star formation process. By studying circumstellar gas and dust around young stars as a function of stellar mass and age we can hope to; i) estimate the timescale for dissipation of circumstellar material around young stars as a function of radius; and ii) gain some physcial insight into the nature of this dissipation process thus providing observational constraints on theories of planet formation. We are leading ground- and space-based observational programs to help address fundamental questions concerning whether planetary systems like our own are common or rare among sun-like stars in the disk of the Milky Way.

Combining results from on-going research into star and planet formation, astronomers can provide important boundaries on the prospects for life developing elsewhere in the Universe. The origin, evolution, and prevalence of life in the Universe are central to the emerging interdisciplinary study of Astrobiology. Using ground- and space-based telescopes from the far-ultraviolet to the sub-millimeter, we are engaged in an astronomical search for the essential ingredients of life.

Finally, members of our group are involved in developing techniques and instrumentation for ground- and space-based infrared astronomy as well as maintain interest in reformed teaching practices in science education.

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