Resume

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Education

• Ph.D in Astrophysics, University of Cincinnati, 2024
• B.S. in Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2018

Work experience

• May 2024 - August 2024: Postdoctoral Researcher
  Postdoctoral Researcher under the astrophysics research group led by Professor Matthew Bayliss. Contributed to the research goals of the SGAS collaboration.
  • Developed advanced Python code to model distorted astronomical objects.
  • Conducted quality assurance by testing code output across 5 distinct astronomical fields.
  • Identified and documented critical limitations of code for specific data quality.
  • Created installation and user guides for research software programs for current and future collaboration members.
  • Mentored junior researchers, enhancing their skills and supporting their career development.
• October 2019 - May 2024: Graduate Researcher Assistant
  Graduate Student Researcher under the astrophysics research group led by Professor Matthew Bayliss. Completed a PhD in physics with a concentration in astrophysics. Presented work at multiple conferences domestic and abroad.
  • Utilized advanced statistical software to analyze large datasets, uncovering key insights for informed decision making.
  • Participated in regular meetings with project supervisor, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.
  • Authored over 6000 lines of custom Python code for spectral and image analysis.
  • Published a first-author research paper in The Astrophysical Journal.
  • Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
• August 2018 - January 2020: Graduate Teaching Assistant
  Teaching Assistant for introductory physics lectures, labs, and discussion sections. See Teaching
  • Led discussion sections for 20+ students 3x per week to enhance understanding of class material and promote group problem-solving.
  • Conducted laboratory classes for 30+ students on classical mechanics with physical demonstrations to teach proper scientific practices.
  • Assisted lecturers by providing one-on-one student support during class.
  • Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
• January 2015 - May 2024: Undergraduate Research Assistant
  Undergraduate Student Researcher under the astrophysics research groups led by Professors Jeffrey Filippini and Joaquin Vieira.
  • Developed skills in various research methodologies, ensuring high-quality work across diverse projects.
  • Designed and fabricated jigs for construction and testing of balloon-borne telescope on SPIDER 2 project.
  • Conducted physical monitoring of telescopes during cryogenic tests to ensure optimal performance.
  • Analyzed over 100 astronomical fields for evidence of newly discovered gravitationally lensed quasars.
  • Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.

Skills

• Python
  • Numpy, Scipy, Matplotlib, Pandas, Scikit-Learn, Folium, Seaborn, Plotly, Beautiful Soup, Pygame
• Mathematics and Statistics
  • Statistical Distribution, Probability Theory, Evaluation Metrics, Algorithms, Linear Algebra, Multivariate Calculus, Differential Equations
• Data Handling
  • mySQL, Excel, Tableau Prep, Pandas, DS9
• Machine Learning
  • Linear Models (GLM, SVM, Random Forests, etc.), Unsupervised Models (Gaussian Mixture, K-Means, Dimensionality Reduction, etc.)
• Data Visualization
  • Python-Based Visualizations (Matplotlib, Folium, Seaborn, Plotly, etc.), Tableau Dashboards, PowerPoint Presentations
• Physics
  • Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermal Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Special Relativity, General Relativity
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • UV, Optical, IR, CCD Imaging, Spectral Analysis, IFU Analysis, SED Fitting, Lyman-Alpha Physics, Radiative Transfer, Astrometry, Interferometry
• Miscellaneous
  • Microsoft Azure Cloud Tools, Scientific Writing, Teaching, Linux OS (mainly Ubuntu), C++
• Soft Skills
  • Clear Communication, Adaptability, Ability to Learn Independently, Critical Thinking, Understanding of Team Dynamics

Publications

Connecting Lyα and Ionizing Photon Escape in the Sunburst Arc

Owens, M. R., Kim, K. J., Bayliss, M. B., Rivera-Thorsen, T. E., Sharon, K., Rigby, J. R., Navarre, A., Florian, M., Gladders, M. D., Burns, J. G., Khullar, G., Chisholm, J., Mahler, G., Dahle, H., Malhas, C. M., Welch, B., Hutchison, T. A., Gassis, R., Choe, S., & Adhikari, P. (2024). Connecting Ly\ensuremathα and Ionizing Photon Escape in the Sunburst Arc. \apj, 977(2), e234. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad9247

TEMPLATES: Characterization of a Merger in the Dusty Lensing SPT0418–47 System

Cathey, J., Gonzalez, A. H., Lower, S., Phadke, K. A., Spilker, J., Aravena, M., Bayliss, M., Birkin, J. E., Birrer, S., Chapman, S., Dahle, H., Hayward, C. C., Hezaveh, Y., Hill, R., Hutchison, T. A., Kim, K. J., Mahler, G., Marrone, D. P., Narayanan, D., … Vizgan, D. (2024). TEMPLATES: Characterization of a Merger in the Dusty Lensing SPT0418–47 System. \apj, 967(1), e11. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad33c9

Resolving Clumpy versus Extended Lyα in Strongly Lensed, High-redshift Lyα Emitters

Navarre, A., Khullar, G., Bayliss, M. B., Dahle, H., Florian, M., Gladders, M., Kim, K. J., Owens, M. R., Rigby, J., Roberson, J., Sharon, K., Shibuya, T., & Walker, R. (2024). Resolving Clumpy versus Extended Ly\ensuremathα in Strongly Lensed, High-redshift Ly\ensuremathα Emitters. \apj, 962(2), e175. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad10ad

Small Region, Big Impact: Highly Anisotropic Lyman-continuum Escape from a Compact Starburst Region with Extreme Physical Properties

Kim, K. J., Bayliss, M. B., Rigby, J. R., Gladders, M. D., Chisholm, J., Sharon, K., Dahle, H., Rivera-Thorsen, T. E., Florian, M. K., Khullar, G., Mahler, G., Mainali, R., Napier, K. A., Navarre, A., Owens, M. R., & Roberson, J. (2023). Small Region, Big Impact: Highly Anisotropic Lyman-continuum Escape from a Compact Starburst Region with Extreme Physical Properties. \apjl, 955(1), eL17. https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/acf0c5

Spatial variations in aromatic hydrocarbon emission in a dust-rich galaxy

Spilker, J. S., Phadke, K. A., Aravena, M., Archipley, M., Bayliss, M. B., Birkin, J. E., Béthermin, M., Burgoyne, J., Cathey, J., Chapman, S. C., Dahle, H., Gonzalez, A. H., Gururajan, G., Hayward, C. C., Hezaveh, Y. D., Hill, R., Hutchison, T. A., Kim, K. J., Kim, S., … Whitaker, K. E. (2023). Spatial variations in aromatic hydrocarbon emission in a dust-rich galaxy. \nat, 618(7966), 708–711. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05998-6

The Cosmic Telescope that Lenses the Sunburst Arc, PSZ1 G311.65-18.48: Strong Gravitational Lensing model and Source Plane Analysis

Sharon, K., Mahler, G., Rivera-Thorsen, T. E., Dahle, H., Gladders, M. D., Bayliss, M. B., Florian, M. K., Kim, K. J., Khullar, G., Mainali, R., Napier, K. A., Navarre, A., Rigby, J. R., Remolina González, J. D., & Sharma, S. (2022). The Cosmic Telescope That Lenses the Sunburst Arc, PSZ1 G311.65-18.48: Strong Gravitational Lensing Model and Source Plane Analysis. \apj, 941(2), e203. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ac927a

Talks

Clumpy vs. Extended Lyman Alpha Emitters at High Redshift

March 18, 2024

Oral Presentation at University of Cincinnati, Geophysics Building, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Characterizing Strongly Lensed Lyman-Alpha Emitting Galaxies at z > 4

June 23, 2023

Poster Presentation at Roman Science Inspired by Emerging JWST Results, Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA

Characterizing Strongly Lensed Lyman-Alpha Galaxies at z > 4

April 19, 2023

Oral Presentation at Escape of Lyman Radiation from Galactic Labyrinths, Orthodox Academy of Crete, Kolymbari, Crete, Greece

Characterizing Strongly Lensed Lyman-Alpha Emitting Galaxies at z > 4

July 26, 2022

Poster Presentation at Gemini Science Meeting, Millenium Hilton Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Characterizing Strongly Lensed Lyman-Alpha Emitting Galaxies at z > 4

June 15, 2022

Poster Presentation at American Astronomical Society 240th Meeting, Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA, USA

Teaching

Introductory Mechanics: Lecture

Introductory Mechanics: Lab

Introductory Mechanics: Discussion

Certifications

• Data Science Professional Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Course via Coursera, January 2024, Certificate ID: FL25WXZTQ58N