ABOUT ME
I am a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute. My journey to becoming a professional astronomer started while attending Fisk University. During my undergraduate career at Fisk, I participated in four astronomy related research experience for undergraduates (REUs), each of which contributed towards my passion in pursuing a career in science.
In 2008, I started the next phase in my journey as a student in the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master's-to-PhD Bridge Program. I selected a topic in the field of solar physics for my master's thesis, which focused on studying the relationship between the Sun's global oscillations and solar flares. Upon successful completion of my master's research at Fisk University, I transitioned to Vanderbilt University as a graduate student in the Physics and Astronomy department. Prior to becoming a Ph.D. candidate, I was able to explore different research topics in astrophysics, amongst them were the highest energy particles know to man, the
mysterious ultra high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). Highly intrigued by the questions surrounding these space born particles, I redirected my research focus towards exploring the UHECRs.
Prior to receiving my Ph.D. in May 2017 on the topic "Constraining Microwave Emission from Extensive Air Showers via the MIDAS Experiment", I secured a position at the Planetary Science Institute as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist working on the CosmoQuest project. I thoroughly enjoyed the work I did while working on the virtual citizen science platform (some of which can be seen here). My current research utilizes asteroid spectra along with computational thermal models and machine learning to aid in the classification of asteroids.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
High-Energy Astro-particle Physics
Production, Propagation, and Detection of Ultra High-Energy Cosmic Rays
2010 - 2017
Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., PHYSICS
Helioseismology
Planetary Science
Machine Learning and Data Science
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2008 - 2010
Fisk University
M.A., PHYSICS
2004 - 2008
Fisk University
B.S., PHYSICS