1. Can you describe your role in the SDSS collaboration and what you enjoy most about it?
I am a postdoc at an SDSS-affiliated institution, and a member of COINS!
2. Can you tell us about your educational background and how you got interested in the field of astronomy/astrophysics?
I got my PhD at Caltech in 2023, and have since held postdocs at the American Museum of Natural History and the Center for Computational Astrophysics/Flatiron Institute. I got interested in astronomy thanks to lots of publicly-funded popular science TV, and books by Carl Sagan. I’m very drawn to the humanistic aspect of astronomy – what we can learn about ourselves by studying the universe
3. What projects are you currently working on and what are you most excited about?
I’m very interested in projects at the intersection of exoplanets and galactic archaeology. Right now, I’m thinking about how rocky, Earth-like planets form in different regions of the Milky Way
4. Can you describe how you balance work and personal life, and what advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
The amount of hours put in does not equal the amount of research you get out. Take breaks! It will make you a more creative and productive scientist
5. Can you share with us a unique hobby or interest that you have outside of work?
I climb a lot! I also love art and am getting into wheel throwing – I’m quite bad at it so far but it’s very fun!