Bio

Astrophysicist

My undergraduate research with Drs. Michael Smutko and Grace Wolf-Chase centered on high-mass star formation in the Milky Way Galaxy. I optimized data reduction techniques to increase efficiency 40-fold, revealing previously unrecognized sources of H2 emission from Mol160. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Physics, I worked with Dr. Vicky Kalogera, Director of Northwestern University Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA). Our work involved investigating core boundary definitions for He-progenitor models on Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA).

In the fall of 2015 I began pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics. I have a broad range of research interests, spanning from transient detection in the outer solar system to the vast accelerating expansion of the universe. I enjoy working with large data sets from surveys such as the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF), the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and upcoming surveys including the Zwicky Transient Factory (ZTF) and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). Earning a PhD in Astrophysics will require learning vast amounts of knowledge on our current understanding of the cosmos. I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge with the general public as a science communicator.

Curriculum Vitae

Physics Teacher

Between graduating from Northwestern University in 2011 and leaving Chicago in 2015, I tutored high school,
undergraduate, and post-baccalaureate students in physics and astronomy. My teaching style is greatly informed by my time spent as an actor, where I learned that communication is a skill one develops and hones with practice. My time has also been spent working to develop physics and robotics programs for middle and high school students in Evanston, IL (Northwestern University Center for Talent Development) and Oak Park, IL (Oak Park Education Foundation). Using all facets of STEM curriculum, I work with students to analytically, strategically and cooperatively design, engineer, build, program, test and operate competition robots.

My love for science began many years ago. My first visit to the Hayden Planetarium in New York City for my 10th birthday (now the Rose Center for Earth and Space) ignited a passion for the wonder of the cosmos. Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman, Neil deGrasse Tyson and others have illuminated for me science's power to allow us access to nature's mysteries. Many people find science to be intimidating and something that is done by distant people pursuing abstract goals. I am committed to following in the footsteps of these great science communicators and showcasing the wonders of science to the general public.

Curriculum Vitae

Actor

Theatre attempts to replicate and explore the complexity of the human experience. I use acting as a way to gain a more fundamental understanding of social communication and personal connection. Science and art have both evolved as elements of our culture to address different issues, although often they start from the same questions. The scientist and artist both seek to better understand our common experiences and provide insight into the way things are. My passion for understanding drives me to pursue both science and art.

Over my four years living in Chicago I performed in nine shows, acted in five films, assistant directed three productions, and taken over a dozen classes in acting for the stage, film, improv and Meisner technique. Chicago's theatre community is a vibrant collection of collaborators set on creating visceral art in every corner of the city. I have a particular passion for Shakespeare and have recently performed in Julius Caesar (Decius Brutus), Taming of the Shrew (Lucentio) and The Tempest (Ferdinand).

Acting requires trust. One very potent environment for trust to grow is an ensemble. In 2012, along with several other theatre artists, I founded The Poor Theatre as a way to build such an ensemble. We strive to explore those parts of the human experience often overlooked. We work to give voice to stories that often go unheard. My contributions to the company are both as a member of the acting ensemble and the current Managing Director.

Theatrical Resume

Northwestern Magazine named me to their Senior Watch in 2011! Learn more about my phy sics and theatre double major.