Astronomy
During my doctoral studies at the University of Southern Queensland my research focused on exoplanet characterisation – classifying the physical features of distant worlds outside of our Solar System. I achieved this work using various analysis methods (e.g. exoplanet detection, cross correlation analysis , ephemerides refinement, TTVs) from photometric and spectroscopic primary transit data on both ground and space facilities (e.g. TESS, CHEOPS, VLT, MINERVA-Australis).
My postdoctoral research is focused on understanding the sub-Saturn exoplanet population through the analysis of their atmospheres. From looking at these atmospheres, we can understand what it’s made of, weather patterns and its formation history. I am also contributing scientific research towards the Twinkle Space Mission, a next generation space telescope that will be conducting the first dedicated exoplanet atmosphere characterisation survey. If you are interested in collaborating on a project, please contact me.
Diversity In stem
When I was first exposed to a predominantly male narrative on who has historically contributed towards STEM in high school , I thought that women had to be extraordinary to contribute. It wasn’t until my tertiary years that I learnt of the various direct historical efforts to marginalise the discoveries and contributions made from female scientists. Because of this, I strive to contribute towards studies and programs that not only increase the public’s perception on women’s contributions in STEM, but to also make astronomy a more inclusive field at all career stages.
I am an active volunteer for the IncludeHer initiative, whose mission is to assist educators and law markers across Australia on changing the Australian education curriculum to reflect the true role women have played in STEM and address historical prejudice. Please contact me if you would like to learn more.
Outreach
While an undergraduate in 2017, I maintained an employed position at the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) where I produced an educational astronomy YouTube series. It teaches viewers about observational astronomy, instruments used on Australia’s largest optical telescope and how astronomers obtain the observations.
Throughout my academic career I’ve strived to share my work and knowledge of science with the general public. This has occurred using various different forms of media, including TVs interviews, radio interviews, news articles, Q&A panels and public lectures. We would not have the luxuries life has to offer without scientific advancement, so I find teaching people to understand the world we live in through science as incredibly powerful.
Photo: UniSQ 2022 Astrofest Curious Kids panel (D. Martinelli/UniSQ).