RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
 

Graduate Researcher – Earth & Planetary Science                                                                       Aug 2018 – Present Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD

• Designed and calibrated Raman, FTIR, and VNIR spectroscopic systems for chemical and mineral detection across >500 image cubes covering 50,000 km² of Martian analog terrains.

• Integrated orbital hyperspectral and laboratory data to achieve 95% accuracy in automated chemical classification and target discrimination.

• Developed optical and signal-processing models to improve Signal-Noise Ratio (SNR) and radiometric precision in low-SWaP instruments.

• Built end-to-end analytical workflows linking thermodynamic modeling, radiative transfer, and geochemical synthesis for mission detection systems.

• Collaborated with engineers, chemists, and mission planners to optimize instrument performance for planetary and defense applications.

 

Visiting Researcher                                                                                                                         June 2017 – Present

Carnegie Institution Geophysical Laboratory, Washington, DC

• Integrated CRISM hyperspectral data with Raman and FTIR spectroscopy for chemical detection and mineral validation.

• Built automated spectral-library management systems supporting >1,000 validated spectra for mission databases.

• Implemented radiometric and atmospheric correction algorithms, enhancing SNR and detection thresholds for planetary and analytical chemistry applications.

• Modeled and calibrated instrument performance in laboratory and simulated low-pressure environments.

 

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Intern                                                                 Feb 2018-Aug 2018

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD

• Supported the CRISM mission by transforming large volumes of hyperspectral Mars mapping data into scientifically usable derived products

• Applied spectral and geometric data processing techniques, including radiometric reconciliation, image mosaicking, and mineralogical analysis

• Contributed to interdisciplinary workflows integrating radiative transfer modeling, numerical optimization, GIS, and graph-based methods

• Assisted in improving consistency and scientific reliability across CRISM mapping strips for downstream analysis and publication

• Collaborated with APL scientists and mission team members to advance data processing pipelines aligned with ongoing mission needs

 

Planetary GIS Consultant (Contractor)                                                                                     May 2016 – Apr 2018

NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA

• Designed spatial decision-support systems integrating multi-sensor datasets for mission planning, risk assessment, and chemical reconnaissance.

• Developed Python-based data conversion tools (HDF, netCDF) increasing throughput by 75% and enabling automated analysis pipelines.

• Built 3D visualization frameworks for multi-temporal datasets to enhance real-time situational awareness.

• Led exploration-zone analysis combining terrain, hazard, and resource models for mission feasibility and target prioritization.

 

Atmospheric Data Scientist Intern                                                                                               Jan 2016 – May 2016

NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA

• Developed Python tools to convert CALIPSO HDF files into GIS-compatible formats, accelerating visualization of stratospheric aerosols and cloud structures.

• Created 3D visualizations of polar stratospheric clouds by integrating MODIS, CERES, and AIRS datasets for multi-sensor atmospheric analysis.

 

Undergraduate Research Assistant                                                                                               May 2012-May 2014 

Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Wesleyan University

• Analyzed satellite images and calculate NDVI of plants in Puerto Rico in Serpentine and Non-Serpentine soils to determine differences in plant health using ArcMap, ArcScene, and ENVI.

• Mapped out NDVI of plants using the bands from Landsat images and Image Analysis Tool in ArcMap.

• Traveled to Maricao State Forest in Maricao, Puerto Rico and Monte Guilarte State Forest to collect ground NDVI measurements.

• Compared NDVI measurements to correlations with climate, precipitation, and elevation.                     

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Undergraduate Research Assistant                                                                                               May 2012-May 2014 

Department of Earth & Environmental Science, Wesleyan University  

• Analyzed near-infrared images of Mars to find hydrated minerals.

• Process and analyze spectral images using ENVI, a remote sensing program.

• Presented research findings at Keck Northeast Astronomy Consortium, McNair Conference, Geological Society of America. Conference and the Lunar and Planetary Conference.

• Research was published at the Keck Northeast Astronomy Consortium.