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Observing

            My motivation as a scientist today was shaped by my past as an artist. The ego of an artist is summarized by the quote “ars longa, vita brevis,” (Hippocrates), the desire that what we create will outlive us. My goal is to work in the field of astronomy instrumentation; designing, building, and testing electronic and optical systems for ground-based telescopes. I want to learn to build instruments that will aid in understanding the universe.

          I started undergraduate study as an art student, but a cosmology class rekindled my childhood passion in astronomy. Realizing that this was the field I was meant to pursue, I changed my major to physics despite no previous background in math or science. Undeterred by these challenges, I have persevered and achieved personal success. I am currently a senior in physics with experience gained from four internships.

 

 

Center for Adaptive Optics | Intern

August 2014- Ongoing | Santa Cruz, CA

Reference: Constance Rockosi, crockosi@ucolick.org

 

  • Characterize the performance of ShaneAO, the newly developed adaptive optics system for the Shane 3-Meter Telescope. 

  •  Calculate the PSF Stehl ratio of stars as a function of angular distance from the guide star. Data will be taken of double stars using natural and laser guide stars. 

  • Taught myself Python, and developed a Strehl calculation tool based on peak finding and photometry routines.

  •  Exposure to CCD detectors, data analysis, programming, adaptive optics corrections, and observational astronomy.

 

University of Florida Material Physics | REU Student

May 2014 – August 2014 | Gainesville, Fl

Reference: Mark Meisel, meisel@phys.ufl.edu

 

  • Developed a resonance-detecting vibrating reed device. The instrument consisted of a metal reed driven and detected by electrodes using a lock-in amplifier in conjunction with a LabView data acquisition program.

  • Gained exposure to circuit analysis, experimental practices, and instrument design and testing. Learned about issues with, and methods of signal detection.

  • Wrote a culmination thesis that is currently available for the public, online through the REU program’s website. 

 

Center for Adaptive Optics | ShaneAO Alignment Assistant

August 2013 – April 2014 | Santa Cruz, CA

Reference: Renake Kupke, rkupke@ucolick.org

 

  • Implemented Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, alignment telescope, and shear plates to align off-axis parabolic mirrors and other instruments of the ShaneAO adpative optical system for the Shane 3-Meter Telescope.

  • Tested off-axis parabola to verify the given factory parameters were correct.

  • Assisted in taking data using an IDL routine to determine the voltage needed to be applied across a MEMS deformable mirror to achieve flatness.

  • Developed and executed an alignment plan for an atmosphere distorted telescope light simulator.

  •  Attended commissioning run of the ShaneAO system on the Shane 3-Meter Telescope at Lick Observatory.\Developed a Strehl calculator using photometry routines in IDL programming language.

  • Gained hands-on knowledge of Zernike coefficients, adaptive optical system operations, and alignment procedure.

 

 

Proton Computed Tomography | Intern

January 2013- March 2013

 

  • Fabricated circuit boards, including precision soldering of parts onto circuit boards using a microscope.

  • Organized data into spread sheets using IMAGEJ analysis program.

January 2015

  • Used Simbad and Aladdin star catalogue programs to find open clusters, and globular clusters. Used the programs to find NGS targets.

  • Imaged open cluster NGC 1039,  globular clusters 2149 and 4147 using ShaneAO. Took exposures in a variety of exposure lengths, in J, K, and H bands. Run lasted three nights and utilized both NGS and LGS. 

November 2014

  • Currently using online databases to find double stars, and binary observing targets for a characterization study of ShaneAO.

  • Primary stars are in the 13th-15th magnitudes, and within 20 degrees of zenith.

  • Observed 8th magnitude, near zenith stars using ShaneAO system on Shane 3-Meter Telescope at Lick Observatory.

  • Short exposures of less than a second were taken in the J,K,H infrared bands.}

 

April 2014

  • Attended commissioning run of the ShaneAO system.

 

Course Work

RESUME

Personal Info

 

Work​

experience​
 

Physics

  • Mechanics

  • Thermodynamics

  • Electricity and Magnetism

  • Quantum Mechanics

  • Modern Physics

  • Optoelectronics/Photonics

 

Math

  • Multivariable Calculus

  • Linear Algebra

  • Math Method Physics

 

Astrophysics

  • Cosmology

  • Solar System

  • Stars and Stellar Evolution

  • Order of Magnitude Astrophysics

 

Labs

  • Under Division Core Physics Lab

  • Intermediate Physics Lab

  • Astrophysics Advance Lab

  • Optoelectronics Lab

 

Skills                              

Programming

  • Python

  • Interactive Data Language (IDL)

Data Analysis

  • ImageJ

  • Origin

  • Excel

Image Editors

  • Photoshop

  • Gimp

3D Modeling Programs

  • Rhinoceros

  • Blender

 

 

Costume Design | Group Leader: Convention Costume Competition

 

  • Lead a small group in designing, sewing, and crafting costumes

  • Taught sewing, pattern reading, and drafting to inexperienced members}

  • Best of Division: Group Craftsmanship Winners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interests

University of California Santa Cruz | B.S. in Physics

Expected: March, 2015 | Santa Cruz, CA

GPA: 3.2/4.0 | Dean's Honors: Spring Quarter 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Education
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