Home Institution: UC Santa Cruz
Research Project: ADMX
UW Mentor(s): Leslie Rosenberg, Gray Rybka

Q: What are your physics/science interests?
I'm fascinated by the formation and evolution of galaxies and the nature of the dark matter that makes up most of the matter in the universe. Particularly, my research interests pertain to the use of machine learning as a tool for data-analysis in cosmology. The applications of machine learning techniques to answer the fundamental questions about the universe have made remarkable improvements in the way we interpret our data, so I'm largely interested in where artificial intelligence can take the future of the field of astrophysics and cosmology as a whole.

Q: What are your other interests?
My interests outside of the field of astrophysics include reading, cooking, boxing, and exploring niche, new hobbies.

Q: What would you like to do after college?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I intend to pursue my Ph.D in physics. I hope to use this graduate program as a stepping stone to eventually become a tenured professor, so I can be involved in both teaching the new generation of physicists as well as staying involved in research.

Q: Tell us one strange but interesting fact about yourself.
I'm strangely attuned to my sense of smell. It is both a blessing and a curse.

Q: What first sparked your interest in Physics?
I distinctly remember the first time I knew I wanted to study the universe was when my 8th grade physical science teacher introduced to us the movie, Contact, an adaptation of the science-fiction novel by Carl Sagan. Visually seeing a woman, played by Jodie Foster, demonstrate her curiosity for solving the mysteries of the cosmos made an impact on me as I've never previously realized that I too, can make impacts in the scientific field both as a woman, and as a woman of color.

Q: If you could have any pet what would it be?
A corgi because they have cute butts and can be loyal friends.

Q: If you had a free month and unlimited funds, how would you spend your time?
I would travel and backpack all over the world!

Q: If you could get a grant to study anything what would it be?
I would definitely use my grant to study ways to integrate more women, people of color, and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities into the field of physics and astronomy. While there currently exists a significant effort to better diversify these fields, I think there could be more investment into educating the current students, professors, and researchers about how to evolve the culture of the field into a more safe, open space for all future generations of physicists and astronomers.