Science

Image Credit: NASA/JPL

Exoplanet Atmospheres

Arizona State University
Ph.D. Advisor: Dr. Michael Line
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The growing number of known planets outside of our solar system (>4,000) allows us to consider population-level trends in their properties and formation histories. My primary PhD research focuses on modeling the atmospheres of these planets (exoplanets).

Exoplanet observations with spectroscopy data can tell us a lot about a planet's composition and climate, but inferring this information requires data-model comparisons. With modeling, we can produce thousands of planets with specific properties to predict population-level trends and compare them to data. This helps us to more deeply understand the physics at play in atmospheres, and to optimize observational follow-up with future instruments such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and ARIEL/CASE. 
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Image Credit: NASA/JPL

Space Science Mission Strategies

Emergence Lab at Arizona State University
Advisor: Dr. Sara Walker
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I am exploring methods for impacting space science policy with data-driven techniques.
Subproject 1 - “Mapping Mission Impact”: I am developing a tool for  tracing science and media output from the Hubble Space Telescope, Cassini-Huygens, and the Viking program to illustrate how impactful their legacies became beyond their initial primary science return, and how that impact evolved over time. We'll also explore the James Webb Space Telescope’s initial impact in the media.
Subproject 2 - “Science Traceability”: I am working with a small team to develop ways for improving astrobiology mission strategies to maximize their science potential, and to base missions decisions on community discussion and consensus. This will utilize the "Life Detection Knowledge Base," which is currently in development. 
Image Credit: NASA

Enceladus Surface Features

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - 
Center for Earth and Planetary Science
PI: Dr. Emily Martin
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The surface of Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, is covered in "pit chains." Chains of pits form in surface regolith (material) along cracks, and by measuring their depths we can produce a global map of Enceladus' regolith depth. That map, along with the positioning of pit chains, can provide information about Enceladus' formation history and its continued activity. ​

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRISS Instrument

Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI)
Primary Collaborators: Dr. Natasha Batalha, Dr. Jonathan Fraine, Dr. Katey Alatalo
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The NIRISS instrument on JWST is unique in its ability to make high-precision measurements at wavelengths smaller than one micron. These short wavelengths include cloud and haze features that are necessary for constraining planetary properties, including the absolute abundances of molecules. In preparation for JWST's launch, we analyzed NIRISS's capabilities by modeling exoplanet atmosphere observations with instrument noise simulations. We consider optimal observing strategies to maximize precision and minimize uncertainty on physical characteristics unique to wavelengths shorter than one micron.