About Me

I am currently at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory working on the Exoplanet Watch project analyzing transit timing variations within our database of citizen scientist and professional astronomer transit observations. Starting in the fall of 2023 I will be taking a gap year to do astronomy education research hosted by Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. This work will involve creating astrophysics courses and education tools, as well as organizing talk series and events for Filipino students. I will begin at Cornell University in the fall of 2024 to pursue a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Space Sciences and continue studying the atmospheres of substellar objects.

I hold a BS in Astrophysics, minor in Physics, and certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership from Arizona State University.

You can find publications and selected presentations in my CV under the Menu option.

The Big Questions...

Frankly, the vastness of space terrifies me. But, it still leaves me wondering. Like a horror movie character who decides to check out the source of evil noises by venturing into the dark basement. Below are the questions I'd like to answer by going into the dark basement.

How do we fully consider the stellar environment in which planets exist, and not shy away from the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the answer?

How can we squeeze as much science as possible out of our datasets? How can we use machine learning processes to the fullest in astronomy?

Brown dwarfs. What’s their deal?

How can we most efficiently model all the complexities in substellar atmospheres?

(Note: This list is not exhaustive and always under construction)

The Even Bigger Questions...

What does a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible STEM community look like, and how do we make it a reality? How can we teach physics in a way that excites students rather than deters them? How can we open the doors of astrophysics to students in areas without considerable resources?

Why should developing nations care about space when there are many more immediate problems to address?

In what systems does astrophysics research and space exploration occur? How do we best work together to change those systems for the better?

What I'm About

fishing. sitting in the sun. cutting vegetables. making silly little posts. laying in the snow. having a laugh. freelance graphic design. thinking (deeply and shallowly). admiring the beauty of giant kelp. bluegrass. enjoying costco chicken bakes.