1. Can you describe your role in the SDSS collaboration and what you enjoy most about it?
For understanding the demographics of super-massive black hole, I coordinate a working group. Due to my contributions to the targeting of sources betrayed by their bright X-ray emission seen by eROSITA have recently been SDSS-V architect status. SDSS boasts an impressive (sometimes intimidating) number of astro and data experts across many fields, with a contagious can-do attitude.
2. Can you tell us about your educational background and how you got interested in the field of astronomy/astrophysics?
I picked up programming early, which consistently has been accelerating my astronomy career. After enrolling in astronomy for fun, my BSc thesis dealt with data science / astrostatistics topics and the trifecta of astrophysics, computing and statistics has been my specialty since. Astro is a special field full of interesting people, excellent paper, data and code sharing culture, and mobility across sub-fields.
3. What projects are you currently working on and what are you most excited about?
I am blessed with advising genius-level students, and excited about advising their projects. In one, we are simulating a black hole-filled Universe, from which we predict eROSITA population and its multi-wavelength properties (including their SDSS-V redshifts and black hole masses). Then we will fit the simulation to full surveys to learn which galaxies trigger the phase of rapid black hole growth.
4. Can you describe how you balance work and personal life, and what advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
Learn to say no and set boundaries. That requires having a plan B.
5. Can you share with us a unique hobby or interest that you have outside of work?
Hiking bear-infested volcanoes.