1. Can you describe your role in the SDSS collaboration and what you enjoy most about it?
Control and Operations Software. I enjoy building and deploying the code that collects astronomical data. I especially love spending time at the telescopes and commissioning new instruments. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing something new working at a telescope.
2. Can you tell us about your educational background and how you got interested in the field of astronomy/astrophysics?
As an undergrad I studied astronomy, physics and applied math at the University of Washington. At that time I was an SDSS student employee responsible for washing plug plates and shipping them to the observatory. Overtime I transitioned toward operations software for APO. Along the way, I also received a masters in Applied Math and a PhD in Astronomy with a thesis focused on the SDSS-V instrumentation.
3. What projects are you currently working on and what are you most excited about?
My main focus in SDSS-V has been the control and calibration of the focal plane systems. Currently we are still striving to further improve observing efficiency and data quality.
4. Can you describe how you balance work and personal life, and what advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
Work life balance is essential for happiness! My work hours can be odd, especially during telescope engineering periods which are usually crammed with late nights and rapid fixes. I always take a break after gauntlets and go outside to decompress.
5. Can you share with us a unique hobby or interest that you have outside of work?
Whitewater kayaking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking…and generally recreating in the mountains and woods. Parenting is also a new hobby of mine.