ABOUT ME

RESEARCH

Visualization and Astronomy

I've been developing methods and techniques to visualize astronomical data (both observational and simulated) to enable the identification of patterns within.

 

CHIME/FRB Outriggers

I've been on the CHIME/FRB team, looking at ways of determining the host galaxies of individually detected fast radio bursts using Very Long Baseline Interferometry. In developing these techniques, we have set up a proof-of-concept prototype system on a 10-metre dish at the Algonquin Radio Observatory in the Algonquin Provincial Park.

 

Clustering-based Redshifts

I've been developing a method to infer the redshift distribution of extragalactic samples based solely on their on-sky positions. I've demonstrated its accuracy by comparing to spectroscopic redshifts, far exceeding the accuracies derived from photometric redshifts. We have already used this method to identify the redshift distributions of samples from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the Two-Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), and the Planck All-Sky Survey.

 

Young Massive Clusters & Associations in the Galaxy

Using near-infrared observations, I've been identifying and characterizing massive, young stellar clusters and associations in the Galaxy. These stellar clusters and associations have evaded detection due to obscuration and confusion through the Galactic Disk. Through this work, we've identified and spectroscopically confirmed the most luminous OB association in the Galaxy; the Dragonfish Association.

 

Star Formation and Energetic Feedback

Using multiwavelength observations, including WMAP and Spitzer IRAC, I've been able to characterize star formation and energetic feedback in the Milky Way Galaxy.

PUBLICATIONS

TEACHING

Previous Courses

At Johns Hopkins University, I designed and taught a full semester first-year seminar in Fall of 2016, titled "The Unsolved Mysteries of the Cosmos" as a Dean's Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship.

At Johns Hopkins University, I designed and taught an intersession course in January 2013 titled "The Unsolved Mysteries of the Cosmos." This course was aimed towards humanities and non-physical science students.

 

As a graduate student at the University of Toronto, I was a teaching assistant and tutorial leader for the following courses between 2007 and 2012:

 

• The Sun and its Neighbours (AST101)
• Stars and Galaxies (AST 201)
• Stars and Planets (AST221)
• Galaxies and Cosmology (AST222)
• Practical Astronomy (AST225/226)

OUTREACH

Current Initiatives

I am the creator and host of the YouTube series "A Picture in 1000 Words" on the Dunlap Institute's YouTube Channel.

 

Previous Initiatives

I was actively involved with Youth Science Canada in the promotion, development and delivery of the Gr. 7-12 Science Fair Program across Canada from 2003 to 2018, including the national championships, the Canada Wide Science Fair.

I was a founding member of the astronomy outreach committee at U of T.

I was the Site Chair of Science Rendezvous at U of T, a day long street festival of science attracting thousands, from its founding in 2008 to 2010.

 

Public & School Talks

I have given dozens of invited public talks to audiences ranging from Kindergarten to Amateur Astronomers. If you would like me to come speak to your group or class, please contact me to make an arrangement. I am particularly excited to speak to high school audiences.

PRESS

Selected Media Coverage

Supermassive stars pack newly discovered 'Dragonfish' cluster; NBCnews.com, December 2011

U of T discovery sheds light on massive star cluster; The Toronto Star, December 2011

Star Light, Star Bright; Science, January 2011

Dragonfish nebula conceals giant star cluster; New Scientist, January 2011

 

Press Releases

In the Dragonfish's Mouth; University of Toronto, December 2011

RESOURCES

CONTACT