About Me

I am a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the University of Iowa, where I lead and participate in a number of science and instrumentation efforts, such as:
  • Designing ultraviolet (UV) optical systems, such as space telescopes and laboratory calibration facilities
  • Various nanofabrication techniques, such as electron-beam lithography (EBL) and nanoimprint lithography (NIL), for fabricating novel X-ray and UV reflection gratings for future space missions
  • Researching the impact of stellar UV emission on the  formation and evolution of exoplanets, particularly in the far ultraviolet (FUV)
  • Training to serve as a leader in NASA's future space-based missions

As a graduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder, I worked on both science and instrumentation projects. I led the second flight of the  SISTINE Sounding Rocket, as well as a large archival research program using data taken with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). These projects aimed to better understand the FUV radiation environments around exoplanet host stars. Stellar FUV radiation is a key driver of atmospheric photochemistry, and understanding what the planet sees from its host star helps us correctly interpret spectral features in exoplanet atmospheres, such as potential indicators of habitability or life.

Through my position at the University of Iowa, I have become involved with several UV missions throughout various stages of mission design and implementation. These missions cover a breadth of UV science disciplines, from nearby molecular clouds in our Milky Way galaxy to Type Ia supernovae in distant galaxies. In addition, I have become familiar with current and developing UV technologies. I aim to apply my extensive experience with UV science and instrumentation to lead space-based missions of my own.
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Image credit: Stephanie Eddy Photography

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