What is your role in the DESI project?
I am a member of the DESI Lyman-alpha working group. In addition to this, I help organize the biweekly DESI Research Forum.
What do you do as part of DESI?
My work involves building better mathematical models of the Lyman-alpha forest power spectrum and its cross-power spectrum with other cosmological tracers such as quasars. On a day-to-day basis over the last several months, I have typically either been working on analytical perturbation theory calculations, numerically computing them, or playing around with simulation outputs. Our goal is to test these improved models against simulations and data in hopes of better understanding the high-redshift universe and more accurately determining cosmological parameters.
Over the last couple weeks, a panel of DESI members began organizing a new biweekly research forum. I am a member of this panel and spent time helping in this effort. Going forward I plan to be involved with recruiting speakers and organizing talks.
Where were you born? Where do you live now?
I was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, and I currently live in Columbus, Ohio.
What would you say is the most interesting or exciting thing about your job?
The opportunity to better understand our universe is the most exciting thing about my job. Sometimes I have to take a moment and step back from the difficulties of day-to-day life to remind myself that, in some sense, I get to study the very thing in which all else exists. Nothing else I’m familiar with interests me more!
Any advice for aspiring scientists?
At times you may feel discouraged from pursuing science because the work gets difficult and you begin to doubt your ability to be successful. Remember that every discovery made or new idea developed came from some person doing what they enjoy. None of those people were magical or possessed superhuman abilities. If they can find success then so can you.
Finally, what do you do for fun?
I enjoy trying my hand at cooking different dishes and going out to sample the local cuisine. When the weather permits, I try to spend time outdoors at the park and checking out various events in Columbus.
