Research

My primary research focus lies within the field of Galactic archeology, the study of how the Milky Way formed using what we can observe of the Galaxy today. In particular, I am interested in how stellar spectroscopy and stellar chemistries can inform us regarding the history of the Galaxy. I also have a more general interest in how machine learning approaches can be applied to large astronomical datasets. My PhD supervisor is Professor Vasily Belokurov.

Born legally blind, I have what I call an astronomy "side gig" in sonification, or the representation of data via sound. Sonification has immense potential in astronomy outreach and research, which I would be happy to discuss. I am also more broadly involved in science accessibility and disability inclusion, especially with regards to making computer programming and research and educational tools accessible.

Career

Research Assistant, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, advised by Prof. Bhuvnesh Jain (May 2020 - May 2022; May 2023 - August 2023)

NSF Research Expereince for Undergraduates, Department of Astronomy, University of Texas at Austin, advised by Prof. Keith Hawkins and Dr. Zacahry Maas (May 2022 - August 2022)

Senior Honors Thesis: "Chemical Classification of Gaia Spectra Using Machine Learning," advised by Prof. Keith Hawins and Prof. Robyn Sanderson (September 2022 - May 2023)

Qualifications

B.A. in Physics with Distinction, University of Pennsylvania (2019-2023; summa cum laude)

PhD in Astronomy, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge (2023-Present)

Awards and Prizes

Marshall Scholarship, 2023-2026

Roy and Diana Vagelos Science Challenge Award, University of Pennsylvania, 2023

Dean's Scholar, University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Science, 2023

Michael McGowan Leadership Scholarship, National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, 2022

Phi Beta Kappa, University of Pennsylvania, 2022

Thomas H. Wood Prize, University of Pennsylvania Department of Physics and Astronomy, 2020