LATEST: Press Conference at April 2018 APS Meeting
We're hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher at Fermilab: Applications close May 12, 2018. Apply Here!
Machine Intelligence:
There is vast potential for data-driven algorithms to irrevocably change cosmological research. My work seeks to advance that frontier and created large-scale, extensible models of many cosmological phenomena, from strong lensing to the cosmic microwave background. I also work to understand the long-term societal implications of this cross-cutting computational technology.
Gravitational Lensing:
Strong gravitational lenses deflect light from distant stars and galaxies into multiple images. Strong lenses have the potential to be competitive probes of dark matter and dark energy through observations of phenomena, like time delays and well-selected populations of lenses.
My current research focuses on novel techniques for finding lenses that are particularly useful for cosmology. I am also experienced observer at Gemini South MOS and long-slit spectroscopy.
I'm a member of the strong lensing working group of DES. I help select, follow up and analyze DES strong lenses. I'm also a member of the STRIDES collaboration, a group that's seeking to obtain time-delay measurements of DES lenses.
Cosmological Survey Simulation and Design:
Our experiments, apparatus and surveys for cosmology studies have become increasingly intricate. As we transition from an era of precise cosmology to one of precise and accurate cosmology, we may need better survey planning tools. In 2015, we invented SPOKES, a simulation framework to make it easier for scientists to precisely plan their spectroscopic experiments, but SPOKES goes well beyond spectroscopy.
With SPOKES, not only can simulate your experiment, you can optimize all aspects, from the instrument to the survey strategy. At it's heart, SPOKES is based on clear communication, robust provenance and the need for rapid feedback about a given experimental approach.