Current Research
As a physicist, I focus on a few different things.
The Vera Rubin Observatory. Myself for scale (bottom right).
Astronomical Instrumentation
I spent July 2024 - July 2025 commissioning the LSST Camera for the Vera Rubin Observatory. This includes operation, electro-optical chracterization, and defect analysis in the focal plane.
Image Sensors
Rubin Observatory
Commissioning
At UZH, we characterize prototype image sensors for future cosmology experiments, particularly skipper CCDs.
Image Sensors
Low Noise CCDs
In addition to image sensors, I characterize robotic positioners used in multi-object spectroscopic instruments, including but not limited to DESI, SDSS-V, and Spec-S5. I helped build a test bench using a telescope mount to characterize the performance of prototype positioners under different gravity conditions.
Robotic Positioners
DESI
Spectrographs
I assembled, integrated, and tested many optical and mechanical components of the Large Lenslet Array Magellan Spectrograph (LLAMAS) for the 6.5-meter Magellan Telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.
Fiber Optics
Integration and Testing
Spectrographs
Python
The LSST team experiencing the first photon acquired using the LSST Camera at Rubin Observatory. I co-led camera operations during LSSTCam commissioning, including the night of first photon.
Dark Energy with Gravitational Waves
I am leading an effort in the Dark Energy Science Collaboration to forecast the constraining power of dark sirens using simulated LSST observations and simulated gravitational wave (GW) events. This is in preparation of applying this method to LSST data when the first data release is made public in late 2026.
The Hubble Constant
LSST-DESC
Gravitational Waves
I am leading an effort to measure H0 using the dark siren method, the most recent catalog of GW candidate events, and the DECam Local Volume Exploration (DELVE) Survey.
The Hubble Constant
DELVE
LVK
Gravitational Waves
I contributed to the effort to measure H0 using the dark siren method, the GW candidate events up to Observing Run 4 (O4) b, and the Dark Energy Survey.
The Hubble Constant
DES
LVK
Gravitational Waves
Transient Astrophysics
I led the observation, data processing, and analysis of the first Target-of-Opportunity (ToO) events observed by the Rubin Observatory, including candidate GW events S250725j, S251112cm, and interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.
Rubin Observatory
Commissioning
Gravitational Waves
Interstellar Objects
In response to gravitational wave events from the LIGO-VIRGO-KAGRA gravitational wave network, I have observed using the Dark Energy Camera (DECAM) for 10+ gravitational wave events in LVK O4, and analyzed the obtained observations.
DES
LVK
Gravitational Waves
I led coordination between the DESGW group and the Japanese collaboration for Gravitational wave ElectroMagnetic follow-up (J-GEM) for a joint observation of S250328ae using DECam and the Prime Focus Instrument at Subaru Observatory.
Multi-wavelength Astrophysics
DES
Gravitational Waves
AT2025sib, one of the four reported Rubin candidates in GCN 41595, as viewed by LSSTCam and DECam, each with a field of view of ~14" on each edge. The top row of images are from Rubin Observatory, the bottom row of images were taken with DECam. Search (left), template (center), and difference (right) images. The template images for Rubin difference imaging are from DES DR2 co-additions for this region of the sky.
Infrastructure for Astrophysics
I implemented the Rubin Target of Opportunity strategy into the Rubin Scheduler, ensuring that Rubin observatory can observe gravitational wave, neutrino, and other time-sensitive astrophysical events to augment the LSST survey.
Rubin Observatory
Commissioning
System Engineering
For the Dark Energy Survey (DES), I have tested and implemented improvements to Dark Energy Survey gravitational wave (DESGW) pipeline, including changes to the telescope strategy and real-time monitoring code.
DES
Gravitational Waves
System Engineering
The observing plan for the gravitational wave event S250328ae executed by the DESGW team on March 29, 2025.
Outreach
I have been lucky enough to engage with the public to discuss science, physics, and astronomy.
I led a high school group of students to operate a solar telescope and take images of the sun during the 2023 annular eclipse and 2024 total eclipse. I encouraged safe and responsible observations and discussed the science of eclipses with the public through several local news outlets, including NBC-5 , Vermont Public Radio , and the Essex Reporter.
With support from others, I helped to organize and volunteered at the Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) 2024 at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
I led an exhibition showcasing physics experiments to elementary school students at the Metro Detroit Youth Day in Belle Isle, Detroit, MI.
I designed an art installation in the University of Michigan Physics help room showcasing previous experiences by graduates of the undergraduate program, highlighting struggles they overcame and professional success in their later lives.
I provided tours and open nights at the Wheaton College Observatory in Norton MA, showcasing features of different telescopes to local tour groups.
CV
My most recent C.V. is available for view or download here.
