Studying the dark
side of the universe
I'm a 5th year PhD candidate in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Southern California. My research focuses on constraining dark matter models through astrophysical and computational methodologies — working at the intersection of N-body simulations, semi-analytic modeling, and observational forecasting.
My primary research is with Dr. Andrew Benson at Carnegie Observatories, where I develop and calibrate Galacticus — an open-source semi-analytic model of galaxy formation — to beyond-CDM dark matter models using MCMC sampling on large N-body simulation suites.
I also work with Prof. Kris Pardo at USC, building forward-modeling pipelines to forecast astrometric weak lensing signatures of dark matter subhalos in mock Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope data.
Dark Matter at the Frontier
I develop observational and computational tools to distinguish between dark matter models by probing structure at sub-galactic scales — where different candidates leave distinct signatures.
Merger Tree Calibration to Beyond-CDM
Calibrating Galacticus — an open-source semi-analytic model of galaxy formation — to beyond-CDM dark matter models using MCMC sampling on large N-body simulation datasets.
Probing Dark Matter Subhalo Populations with the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope
Building analysis modules to probe weak lensing signatures across multiple dark matter models, with MCMC forward-modeling of astrometric weak lensing effects in mock Roman Space Telescope data.
Observational Constraints on Dark Matter–Electron Interactions
Constrained dark matter–electron interaction cross-sections via MCMC sampling and the CLASS code on a high-performance computing cluster, resulting in a publication in Physical Review D.
Research Output
Curriculum Vitae
Presentations
Seminars, conference talks, and posters presenting my research on dark matter at various venues.
Merger tree calibration to beyond-CDM dark matter models
Poster presenting results on calibrating Galacticus' semi-analytic model to beyond-CDM dark matter models using MCMC sam…
Dark matter subhalo populations and constraints from the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
Talk on forward-modeling astrometric weak lensing signatures of dark matter subhalos in mock Roman Space Telescope data …
Panelist — academic research, leadership, and applying to graduate school
Panelist representing USC — shared insights on academic research, leadership in physics organizations, and applying to g…
Dark matter weak lensing constraints predicted for the Roman Space Telescope
Poster on dark matter weak lensing constraints predicted for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope across multiple DM mo…
Dark matter weak lensing constraints for the Roman Space Telescope — preliminary results
Preliminary results on dark matter weak lensing constraints for the Roman Space Telescope using forward-modeling pipelin…
New constraints on dark matter–electron interactions
Presented new constraints on dark matter–electron interaction cross-sections derived from MCMC sampling with the CLASS B…
Solar rotation data — Dr. Rhodes Research Group
Contributed to poster presenting data visualizations of solar observations for the Solar Internal Structure and Dynamics…
Interests
Science doesn't happen in a vacuum. I believe deeply in building community, opening doors, and ensuring that physics — and the people doing it — reflect the full breadth of humanity.
Co-founded USC's first organization dedicated to supporting women and gender minorities in physics. Initiated W+iP Clips — a science communication series highlighting gender minorities in the field.
Contributing author at The Lab Report (USC). Led live virtual sessions through Skype a Scientist for K–8 students on black holes, dark matter, and the Moon. APS StepUp panelist supporting high school physics teachers.
Teaching assistant for 5+ years across introductory to advanced physics and astronomy labs at USC. STEM pen pal through Letter to a Pre-Scientist with a 5th grader in North Carolina. Mentored 6 underclassmen through SPS.
As GASP President, gathered 100+ student experiences to successfully petition a change in the PhD curriculum and hosted community events for 90+ graduate students. Led astronomy outreach at Foster Elementary School.
Advocate for inclusive and equitable graduate physics education — bringing student concerns directly to the department and creating systemic change in the PhD program at USC.
Authored "Astronomy across barriers" (The Lab Report, Vol. 2), profiling USC faculty efforts to bring astronomy to underserved communities. Passionate about making astrophysics accessible to everyone.