Qualifications
As a scientist, I am driven by a passion to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. I am eager to discover new worlds and explore the vastness of space. I believe that there are still many treasures to be found in the cosmos, and I am committed to contributing to the scientific knowledge of humanity.
GradDip, Physics
2012 - 2015
Massey University
For my Graduate Diploma in Physics, I studied classical and quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and advanced experimental physics. I also took postgraduate courses in condensed matter and quantum field theory.
MSc
2019 - 2020
Victoria University of Wellington
For my Master's Degree, I developed a method of estimating the redshift (and hence distance) of quasars using optical photometry, without having to rely on spectroscopy (which is time-consuming), or template-fitting (which is unreliable). My method improved the colour-redshift correlation for quasars from ~60% to ~80%.
Certificate of Competence
2018 - 2019
Canterbury University
For my Certificate of Competence (required because I was changing Universities), I studied the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. I verified previous research by showing that the Galaxy's bulge has a distinctive X shape, which is slightly skewed towards positive galactic longitude.
PhD
2020 - current
Victoria University of Wellington
For my Doctorate, I am extending the work I did in my Master's Degree into the radio part of the spectrum. We will not have optical spectroscopic data for many of the millions of new objects discovered by the new generation of telescopes, so we need a reliable and valid method of estimating redshift from radio data.
DipTch (Sec)
1996
Massey University
For my Diploma of Teaching, I specialised in Secondary School Science and Physics, with a particular interest in Astronomy.
BSc
1993 - 1995
Massey University
For my Bachelor of Science, I studied Microbiology, with a specialisation in Medical Microbiology. This also included zoology, anatomy/physiology, and DNA technology.