1. Can you describe your role in the SDSS collaboration and what you enjoy most about it?
I have two roles. One is as the Project Scientist and one is as a software developer for the robotic fiber survey strategy. As “Project Scientist” I love the excuse to learn about all sorts of science across the project from some of the best scientists in the world. As a software developer I enjoy helping to make the project function, which is satisfying work.
2. Can you tell us about your educational background and how you got interested in the field of astronomy/astrophysics?
Many many years ago, don’t ask how many, I got a Ph.D. I had originally gotten interested in astrophysics as an undergraduate, when I accidentally took a course on planetary science. I was fascinated by how such indirect information about such distant objects could tell us so much about them.
3. What projects are you currently working on and what are you most excited about?
Well, this project for one! I think I am contractually obligated not to pick a particular piece of it that I am most excited about. But as a galaxy evolution scientist, having a more complete and comprehensive view of the Milky Way is exciting.
4. Can you describe how you balance work and personal life, and what advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
I don’t generally give advice, everything is so context-dependent. I try to plan my days pretty carefully, and I definitely find there’s a limit to the amount of time I can work productively. It is useful to have other responsibilities in your life that pull you a bit away from astrophysics and only interacting with astronomers (even though they are great). The most difficult thing is finding long stretches of time to do things that require real thought and experimentation. I’m always trying to figure out how to balance thinking, doing, reading, going to seminars, etc., and I don’t know anybody who knows any right answer.
5. Can you share with us a unique hobby or interest that you have outside of work?
Unique? Not really. I like to go running in the woods!