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 using machine learning. New generations of telescopes will discover tens of millions of new objects, so we need a robust, multi-wavelength solution to estimating their redshifts from photometry.
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.