Photo by the University of Maine
I graduated from the University of Maine in 2024, where I received a B.S. in Earth & Climate Sciences with a concentration in Geology and a minor in Astronomy.
The joy found in connections between course concepts and knowledge gained in the field is unmatched. Studying Earth & Climate Sciences and Astronomy enabled me to apply methodologies utilized in better understanding the Earth towards other planets both within and outside our Solar System. While in ERS 425 (How to Build a Habitable Planet), I connected what I learned about the proliferation of life on Earth and Earth's paleoclimate to my internship research in the JWST Program Office at NASA Headquarters for my final project in the course. In doing so, I related stellar variability to potential planetary habitability -- a key piece to fulfilling Astro2020 recommendations for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
While course emphasis is on Geology, Astronomy, and Physics, I took writing and public speaking courses, too. I believe the ability to communicate science to the public is as important than the science itself.
I served as a Maine Learning Assistant and Teaching Assistant for the AST 109: Introduction to Astronomy course and the corresponding lab section (AST 110: Introduction to Astronomy lab). I was nominated for Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year for the 2020-2021 Academic Year for my work as a TA during online instruction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spring semesters 2019, 2020, 2021
In this role I aided in the facilitation of the "flipped-classroom" method by working closely with ~60-70 students during class time, helping the professor prepare for each lesson, and through coordinating and facilitating exam review sessions.
Spring 2019 (lab), Fall 2020 (lecture)
In this role I managed auxiliary course operations in the virtual lecture format by maintaining records for ~200 students, facilitating in-class discussion in the virtual space, and acting as an intermediary between students and course faculty. For the lab section, I assisted the graduate TAs with telescopic operations and in grading lab reports.
★ Nominated for Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year, AY 2020-2021
Aug 2018 - Jul 2021
As a planetarium programming presenter I hosted shows for both youth and general audiences, which utilized an understanding of current events in astronomy, constellations, and the night sky. I also coordinated private and school group events at the planetarium.