Studying the $\alpha$($^{14}$N,$\gamma$)$^{18}$F Reaction with St. George

The St. George recoil separator at the Nuclear Science Laboratory of the University of Notre Dame was designed to study ($\alpha$,$\gamma$) reactions in inverse kinematics relevant to nuclear astrophysics. For the first time, the St. ANA Accelerator, St. George, a helium gas-jet target (HIPPO), and a particle identification system were coupled together to study the $\alpha$($^{14}$N,$\gamma$)$^{18}$F reaction. Preliminary results from the $\alpha$($^{14}$N,$\gamma$)$^{18}$F reaction will be presented. Additionally, ongoing and proposed improvements to St. George and the experimental setup will be presented.